Taxpayers should know the signs of a phone scam, especially during filing season

Notice: Historical Content


This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current law, policies or procedures.

IRS Tax Tip 2020-32, March 9, 2020

Taxpayers should be aware that aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or personal information. The tax filing season is a prime time for phone scams because people are thinking about taxes.

Here are some tell-tale signs of a tax scam along with actions taxpayers can take if they receive a scam call.

The IRS will never:

  • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
  • Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
  • Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
  • Call out of the blue about an unexpected tax refund.

Taxpayers who receive these phone calls should:

More information:

IRS YouTube Videos:

  • Tax Scams – English | Spanish | ASL (obsolete)
  • Dirty Dozen – English | Spanish | ASL

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