Scam warning
Fake IRS Tax Call
A scammer pretends to be from the IRS (the U.S. tax office). They say you owe back taxes and will be arrested, deported, or lose your license unless you pay right away.
Also called: IRS scam, Tax scam, Back taxes scam
The one thing to remember
The IRS almost always contacts you by mail first. They never demand gift cards, and never threaten to send the police.
How it happens
- You get a call, voicemail or text saying you owe the IRS money.
- The caller may know part of your Social Security number to seem real.
- They say police will come if you don't pay today.
- They want payment with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
Warning signs
- A threatening call about taxes you didn't know about.
- Demands to pay right now, without a chance to ask questions.
- Payment by gift card, wire or Bitcoin.
- A text or email from “the IRS” with a link.
What to do
- Hang up.
- If you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS yourself at 1-800-829-1040, or log in at irs.gov.
- Forward IRS scam emails to [email protected].
Last checked: October 31, 2026