Scam guides › IRS / back taxes scam
Is the IRS calling you? How to spot an IRS scam
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Short answer: A call, text or email demanding immediate payment of "back taxes", with threats of arrest, is a scam. The IRS says it generally contacts people first by U.S. mail, doesn't start contact by email or social media to ask for personal or financial information, and doesn't text you without your permission.
What it looks like
IRS FINAL NOTICE: You owe $4,280 in back taxes. A warrant will be issued for your arrest today unless you pay now. Press 1 to speak to an agent.
A made-up robocall in the usual style.
How the scam works
- A caller or robocall says you owe taxes and a warrant or lawsuit is coming.
- They demand payment right now, often with gift cards, a wire, crypto or a prepaid card.
- Some send fake "IRS" emails or texts with links to steal your information.
Red flags
- Threats of arrest, deportation or losing your license
- Payment demanded by gift card, crypto, wire or prepaid card
- A text or email from "the IRS" with a link
- You never got a letter in the mail first
What to do now
- Hang up or delete the message.
- Check your real status at IRS.gov or your IRS Online Account, or call the number on an official IRS letter.
- Report fake IRS emails and texts using the IRS reporting page, and tell the FTC.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.
Report it
Questions
Can the IRS ever call me?
Yes, in some cases, such as an overdue bill or an audit, but you'd usually get letters first. Real IRS staff won't demand gift cards or threaten to have you arrested on the spot.
Sources
- IRS: How to know it's the IRS
- IRS: Ways to tell if the IRS is reaching out or if it's a scammer
- IRS: Report fake IRS, Treasury or tax-related emails and messages
- FTC: How to avoid a government impersonation scam
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
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