IRS Tax Scams and Identity Theft: Warning Signs and Safety Tips 

Scammers often pretend to be the IRS to coerce people into paying money fast. These scams can happen any time of year, not just during tax season.

The goal is usually the same: They want your money or your personal information.

 IRS Phone Scams (The Most Common IRS Scam)

IRS phone scams usually sound urgent and scary.

Scammers may:

• Claim you owe taxes
• Demand payment immediately
• Tell you to pay using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers
• Leave “urgent” voicemail messages or robo-calls
• Send fake emails or texts to trick you into clicking links

 Other IRS Impersonation Scams

Scammers don’t just call. They also use email, text messages, and even mail.

Fake Tax Refund Emails

You get an email claiming you missed a refund. It asks you to click a link.

Tip: Watch for spelling errors and strange links.

“Fix Your Return” Text Messages

A text says there’s a problem with your tax return and offers a quick fix if you click a link.

Don’t click it.

Fake “Delivery Service” Refund Scam

You get a package or letter with IRS logos claiming you have an “unclaimed refund.”

Scammers use official-looking documents to gain trust.

What the IRS Will NEVER Do

The IRS will never:

• Demand payment using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers
• Threaten to send police immediately to arrest you
• Force you to pay without letting you question or appeal the amount
• Ask for your credit card or debit card number over the phone
• Call you about an unexpected refund

Threats and intimidation

Scammers may threaten to:

• Arrest you
• Deport you
• Take your driver’s license
• Send police to your home

Fake caller ID numbers

They may spoof the number to look like the IRS is calling.

They may also use:

• Fake badge numbers
• IRS job titles
• Your name or address to sound “real”

Aggressive behavior

Real IRS employees don’t yell, bully, or pressure you.

What to Do If You Get a Call From an IRS Imposter

If someone calls and claims to be the IRS:

1. Do not share any information.
2. Hang up right away.
3. Report it to TIGTA (Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration) by calling 800.366.4484.
4. Report it to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission): File a report at FTC.gov. Add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.

If You Owe Taxes (Or Think You Might)

If you want to check your real tax situation, contact the IRS directly:

• Call the IRS at 800.829.1040

Tax Identity Theft: Why It’s a Big Problem

Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information to file a tax return in your name.

This can happen early in the year because scammers file fast, sometimes before you even start your taxes.

They may steal:

• W-2s
• Year-end income forms
• Tax documents from your mail

Scammers often choose refunds on prepaid cards because they are harder to trace.

What to Do If Your Tax Identity Is Stolen

If you get an IRS notice in the mail that seems wrong:

• Call the IRS immediately
• Complete IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit)
• Send proof of your identity, such as:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Social Security card

If the notice says you worked for an employer you don’t know:

• Contact that employer and tell them you don’t work there

You may still need to:

• File your tax return
• Pay any taxes you owe
• Mail paper returns if required

Tip: Write down who you contacted and when. Keep copies of letters.

Need help? Call the IRS Identity Protection Unit:  800.908.4490

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from IRS Scams

Here are smart ways to protect your information:

1. Shred sensitive paperwork

Shred things like:

• Old pay stubs
• ATM receipts
• Pre-approved credit offers
• Canceled checks

Keep important documents like:

• Tax returns (at least 3 years)
• Retirement plan forms
• Divorce or estate paperwork

2. Go paperless when possible

Choose digital options for:

• Bank statements
• Tax forms
• Credit card accounts

This helps reduce mail theft and lost paperwork.

3. Be suspicious of IRS emails and texts

The IRS does not contact you by email, text, or social media asking for personal info.

If a message feels urgent or weird, treat it like a scam.

4. Don’t leave your tax return in an office mailbox

If you file taxes by mail:

• Take it directly to the post office
• Hand it to a postal worker if possible

Tax returns are easy for criminals to recognize.

5. Don’t share personal information

Never give out:

• Social Security number
• Bank account details
• Login info

Your bank and the IRS won’t call you out of nowhere asking for this.

6. Watch out for phishing

Phishing is when scammers use fake emails and websites to steal your info.

 Don’t click links from unexpected messages. Go directly to the real website instead.

7. Watch for missing or opened mail

Missing mail can be a warning sign.

Be alert if you don’t receive:

• W-2s
• Credit card statements
• Refund checks

8. Protect your computer

Keep your virus protection software active and updated.

Be cautious of pop-ups or slow computer performance when filing taxes online. This could be a sign of hacking.

9. Monitor your accounts regularly

Use online banking and alerts to watch for suspicious activity.

Set alerts for:

• Large purchases
• Online transactions
• Transfers over a certain amount

10. Report fraud quickly

If you see anything suspicious:

• Contact your bank right away
• Report identity theft to the IRS Identity Theft Unit: 800.908.4490

📬Real IRS Contact

The IRS may notify you by mail if:

• More than one tax return was filed in your name
• You owe a balance you don’t recognize
• Your income records changed
• Your benefits were reduced or canceled

💰Debt Collection Scams (IRS “Private Collectors”)

Some IRS tax debts may be handled by private collection agencies, but scammers use this as an excuse to trick people.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Private collectors cannot accept direct payments (payments must go to the U.S. Treasury)
• The IRS usually contacts you first by mailed letter
• If you can’t pay in full, the IRS may offer a payment plan (up to 5 years)
• Debt collectors must follow rules:
  • No calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • They must send a written notice within 5 days
  • No threats or abusive language

Some cases cannot be handled by private collectors, including:

• Identity theft victims
• People under 18
• Deceased taxpayers
• People in active audits, lawsuits, or criminal investigations

🚨How to Report an IRS Scam

If you think you’ve been targeted, report it right away:

• Report IRS impersonation: (Add your link here)
• Report to TIGTA (Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration): Call 800.366.4484 or visit tigta.gov
• IRS identity theft help: Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800.908.4490