🏛️
IRS & Tax Scams
Fraudsters impersonate the IRS claiming you owe back taxes and face arrest unless you pay immediately in gift cards or wire transfer.
$5.5B (total tax fraud)
Annual losses (US)
2.4M identity theft reports
Reported victims/year
Report Now
FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
🎭 How Scammers Do It: Tactics
- ▸ Call claiming to be IRS agents threatening arrest or deportation
- ▸ Demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto
- ▸ File fraudulent tax returns using stolen Social Security numbers
- ▸ Spoof IRS caller ID to make calls appear legitimate
- ▸ Send fake IRS notices via mail demanding payment
- ▸ Phishing emails claiming you have a refund waiting
🚩 Red Flags: Stop If You See These
⚠ IRS calling you to demand immediate payment
⚠ Threats of arrest, deportation, or legal action
⚠ Demands for gift card payment for tax debt
⚠ First contact is by phone (IRS always contacts by mail first)
⚠ Caller refuses to give you a callback number or agent ID
⚠ Pressure to pay without time to verify or consult a tax professional
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
1. Know that the IRS always contacts you by mail first
2. The IRS never demands gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
3. Hang up on threatening IRS callers
4. Verify any IRS communication by calling 1-800-829-1040
5. File your taxes early to prevent fraudulent filings using your SSN
6. Use IRS Identity Protection PIN if available to you
📋 How to Report This Scam
Report IRS impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General: tigta.gov or 1-800-366-4484.