Will the IRS call me about unpaid taxes?

The IRS does not initiate contact by phone to demand immediate payment. They always send official letters first. If you receive a threatening call claiming to be the IRS, hang up and report it.

What if I actually owe taxes?

If you owe taxes, you will receive official correspondence by mail. You can verify any tax debt by calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or checking your account online at IRS.gov.

How do I protect myself from tax identity theft?

File your taxes early, use an IRS Identity Protection PIN, monitor your IRS account online, protect your Social Security number, and use strong passwords on tax preparation software.

IRS Tax Scams: Spot Fake IRS Calls, Emails & Letters

Overview

IRS and tax scams intensify during tax season but occur year-round. Criminals impersonate IRS agents through phone calls, emails, and letters, threatening arrest or legal action to pressure victims into immediate payment. These scams exploit fear and urgency, targeting taxpayers who may owe money or expect refunds. The real IRS never demands immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, and always initiates contact by mail.

How This Scam Works

Scammers call pretending to be IRS agents, claiming you owe back taxes and threatening arrest or license suspension if you do not pay immediately.

Phishing emails mimic official IRS communications, directing you to fake websites that steal your Social Security number, bank details, and tax information.

Fake tax preparation services collect your personal information under the guise of filing your taxes, then use it for identity theft or fraudulent refund claims.

Criminals file fraudulent tax returns using stolen Social Security numbers to claim refunds before the real taxpayer files.

Warning Signs

⚠Phone calls demanding immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency

⚠Threats of arrest, deportation, or license revocation for unpaid taxes

⚠Emails claiming to be from the IRS asking you to click links or download attachments

⚠Requests for your Social Security number or financial information over the phone

⚠Caller ID showing IRS or government numbers, which can be spoofed

⚠Promises of large, unexpected tax refunds

Real Scam Examples

These are examples of messages used in this type of scam.

Phone Call

This is Officer Johnson from the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. We have filed a lawsuit against you for unpaid federal taxes totaling $4,328. If you do not settle this amount within the next two hours, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.

Phishing Email

Subject: IRS Tax Refund Notification. Dear Taxpayer, After reviewing your tax records, we have determined you are eligible for a refund of $3,247.50. Please complete the attached form with your banking information to receive your refund within 5 business days.

How to Protect Yourself

1Know how the IRS contacts you

The IRS always initiates contact by mail, never by phone, email, text, or social media. If someone claims to be the IRS and contacts you any other way, it is a scam.

2Never pay with gift cards or wire transfers

The IRS accepts payments through official channels like IRS.gov or by check payable to the US Treasury. They never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.

3File your taxes early

Filing your tax return early prevents criminals from filing a fraudulent return using your Social Security number.

4Protect your Social Security number

Never give your SSN to unsolicited callers or in response to emails. Use an IRS Identity Protection PIN if one is available to you.

5Report suspicious contact

Report IRS impersonation scams to TIGTA (Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration) and forward suspicious IRS emails to [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

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