Scam alert
IRS and tax season scams
Every tax season, scammers impersonate the IRS to frighten people into paying or to harvest personal data. Knowing how the real IRS operates makes these easy to spot.
Common tax scams
- Threatening calls claiming you owe back taxes and will be arrested unless you pay now — often via gift cards.
- Texts or emails offering a "tax refund" via a link.
- Fake "IRS" emails asking you to verify your SSN or banking details.
How the real IRS works
The IRS first contacts you by mail, never demands payment by gift card or crypto, and never threatens immediate arrest over the phone. Any message doing those things is a scam. Verify at irs.gov and report to the FTC.
Frequently asked questions
Does the IRS call or text about taxes owed?
The IRS generally initiates contact by mail, not surprise calls or texts, and never demands gift cards or threatens immediate arrest. Such messages are scams.
How do I check an IRS message?
Don't use its links or numbers. Verify at irs.gov directly, and paste the message into Scam Doctor for a verdict.