IRS Impostor Scams

Here’s how they work:

You get a call from someone who says they are from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They say that you owe back taxes. They threaten to sue you, arrest or deport you or revoke your license if you don’t pay right away. They tell you to put money on a prepaid debit card and give them the card numbers.

The caller may know some of your Social Security number. And, your caller ID might show a Washington, DC area code. But is it really the IRS calling?

No. The real IRS won’t ask you to pay with prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. They also won’t ask for a credit card over the phone. And when the IRS first contacts you about unpaid taxes, they will do it by mail, not by phone. And caller IDs can be faked.

Here’s what you can do:

1: Stop. Don't wire money or pay with a prepaid debit card. Once you send it, the money is gone. If you have tax questions, visit the IRS website or call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040.

2: Pass this information on to a friend. You may not have gotten one of these calls, but chances are you know someone who will get one — if they haven’t already.

Please Report Scams

If you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your complaint can help protect other people. By filing a complaint, you can help FTC's investigators identify the impostors and stop them before they can get someone's hard-earned money. It really does make a difference.