Steer Clear of IRS Imposter Scams

Short on time? Watch the Fraud Awareness Minute Video.

Imposter scams that lead to tax fraud and identity theft typically increase during tax season. Tax scams try to do two things: Get your money or your personal data. Scammers pretend to be someone they are not, such as an IRS agent, tax collector, or tax preparer to try to scare or lure you in with the promise of more money.

Recognize the Red Flags

It is important to recognize the most common red flags:

• Any email, call, or text claiming to be from the IRS.
• Messages using fear, urgency, or threats.
• Messages claiming you are owed more money or owe more money.
• Messages pressing you for sensitive information.
• Demands requiring you pay in gift cards or crypto.
• Any website or email address that is not IRS.gov.
• Messages claiming you need to submit additional forms.
• Messages claiming to be from other tax agencies.

Remember the Basics

Remembering a few facts will help keep you from getting sucked in by tax hackers.

• The IRS does not accept cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. All checks should be made out to the U.S. Treasury, never IRS.
• The only place to make a payment online to the IRS is at IRS.gov.
• The IRS will never ask for credit/debit card details.
• Do not trust unsolicited calls from government agencies.
• The IRS cannot revoke, freeze, or cancel your identification (Social Security Number, Drivers License, Business License, or Visa).
• Tax collectors will not threaten you.
• Tax collectors will not call, email, or text you for overdue payments.
• The IRS does not send unsolicited emails, text messages or social media messages. Most communications are done with the U.S. Postal Service. 

What to Do if You Get Scammed

If you fell for a scam, pick yourself up, brush yourself off, forgive yourself, and get to work. Remember these tips:

• If you sent money: Cancel the transaction with your financial institution.
• If you provided banking or credit card information: Call the fraud department of the impacted company and then request to freeze or cancel your account.
• If someone files a tax return in your name: Fill out an Identity Theft affidavit, print it and then mail it with your tax return. You can also request a copy of the fraudulent return.
• If you are the victim of identity theft: File a report with the FTC and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
• If you get a scam email or text message (including requests for additional tax forms): Report scam emails to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726 and forward a screenshot of the message to phishing@irs.gov. 

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