SCAM AWARENESSFake IRS calls
In a fake IRS scam, a caller says you owe back taxes and must pay immediately or face arrest, lawsuits or loss of your license. They may use official-sounding titles and badge numbers. The real IRS generally contacts people by mail first and does not demand instant payment by gift card, wire or payment app.
How this scam works
The call may be a live person or a recorded message telling you to call back right away. The caller says there is a problem with your tax return or an unpaid balance. They may know your name and address and give a fake badge number. Caller ID might even show a government name.
Then the pressure begins. You're told police will come to your home today unless you pay. They demand payment by gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a payment app, and keep you on the phone while you go to a store. Other versions offer a surprise refund but first ask for your Social Security number or bank details to "process" it.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGE"This is Officer Daniels with the IRS. A warrant has been issued for your arrest for unpaid taxes of $3,800. To cancel it, you must pay today using gift cards. Do not hang up, or local police will be sent to your address."
Warning signs
- Threats of arrest, deportation, or losing your driver's license
- Demands for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or payment apps
- No letter in the mail came before the call
- You're not allowed to question or appeal the amount
- A recorded message urging you to call back immediately
- A text or email with a link asking you to verify tax information
How to protect yourself
- Expect the IRS to contact you by mail first in most cases.
- Check any balance by signing in to your account on the official IRS website.
- Never pay taxes with gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers to a person.
- Hang up on threatening calls; the IRS does not threaten arrest over unpaid taxes.
- Don't click links in texts or emails that claim to be from the IRS.
If you already responded
- If you paid with gift cards, contact the card company right away using the number on the card and ask about a refund.
- If you paid by card, bank transfer or wire, call your bank and ask to stop or reverse the payment.
- If you gave your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov and consider a free credit freeze.
- Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the email or text to the IRS through its report phishing page.
- Also report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
- IRS: report fake IRS calls, emails and texts ↗
- IRS: how the IRS contacts taxpayers ↗
- Report fraud to the FTC ↗
Common questions
Does the IRS ever call about taxes owed?
Sometimes, but usually only after sending letters first. The IRS says it may call about an overdue bill or a missing return, but it will not threaten arrest, demand immediate payment, or ask for gift cards or wire transfers. If you're unsure, hang up and check your account on the IRS website.
Can the IRS have me arrested for not paying?
The IRS says it does not threaten to bring in police or other law enforcement to arrest you for not paying. Anyone who says officers are on the way unless you pay right now is a scammer. Real tax problems come with notices and chances to question or appeal the amount.
Does the IRS send text messages or emails?
The IRS says it does not start contact by email to ask for personal or financial information, and generally does not text about personal tax matters. Don't click links in these messages. You can report them to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov, and the IRS website explains how.