Be Aware of IRS-Related Phone Scams

According to the IRS, phone scams are on the rise. These typically consist of scammers contacting an individual, telling him or her that they are working on behalf of the IRS, and demanding immediate payment of tax amounts that are supposedly due. Recently, scammers have become more aggressive, threatening those who refuse to pay immediately with police arrest, deportation or license revocation.

In response to these developments, the IRS has provided clarification on what it will and will not do to collect outstanding tax debts.

Please note that the IRS WILL NOT do any of the following to collect an outstanding tax debt:

  • Call you to demand immediate payment. (The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.)
  • Demand tax payment and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.
  • Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. (For example, demand that you pay with a prepaid debit card.)
  • Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
  • Threaten to bring in local police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.
  • Threaten you with a lawsuit.

If you receive a call from someone saying they are from the IRS, and believe it is a scam, hang up immediately, and call the IRS at (800) 366-4484 to report it.