Scam library · Phone calls · Government impostor · Seniors
IRS impostor call scam: 'you owe back taxes'
A caller, or a robocall, says you owe back taxes, that a warrant has been issued, and that police will come unless you pay right now. They may know your name and address and read out a fake badge number.
The IRS says it generally contacts people first by mail, and it won't threaten arrest or demand payment by gift card, prepaid card or wire.
What the message looks like
From: "IRS Enforcement" (202-555-0181)
"This is Officer Grant from the IRS Criminal Investigation unit. Our records show you owe $4,812 in unpaid taxes. A warrant has been issued for your arrest."
"To avoid arrest today, you must settle the balance using the payment method I give you. Do not hang up or the case goes to local police."
How this scam works
The caller ID can be spoofed to show 'IRS' or a Washington, D.C. number. After the threat, they push a payment method that can't be reversed: gift cards, a wire, a Bitcoin ATM or a payment app. Some versions say your Social Security number is linked to a crime instead.
Government impersonation is big business. The FTC reported $789 million in losses to government impostor scams in 2024. Older adults are a frequent target, but newcomers to the U.S. and young taxpayers are too.
Red flags
- Threats of arrest, deportation or losing your license.
- Payment by gift card, wire, crypto, payment app or cash.
- A demand to pay immediately, without a chance to question or appeal.
- An unexpected call or text with no letter beforehand.
- They tell you not to hang up or not to talk to anyone.
How to tell it’s fake
- Hang up. Sign in to your IRS Online Account at irs.gov, which you type yourself, to see any balance you really owe.
- Look for paper notices: real IRS contact usually starts with a letter.
- If someone visits in person, the IRS says employees carry two forms of official ID, and you can ask to see them.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- If you only talked to them, hang up. Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at tigta.gov and to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- If you bought gift cards, call the gift card company now with the card numbers and receipts. For a wire or payment app, call the company and your bank immediately.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you gave your Social Security number, place a credit freeze and visit IdentityTheft.gov. The IRS also offers an Identity Protection PIN that stops others from filing taxes in your name.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard can't hear the call itself. But IRS scammers often follow up with emails or links to 'payment portals'. In Chrome or Edge, Scam Guard notices pages pretending to be a government agency on a non-.gov address and warns before you pay, and it flags gift card and crypto payment pressure. It's also worth setting up for parents, who get these calls most.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Does the IRS ever call people?
- Sometimes, usually about an existing case after you've received letters. The IRS won't threaten arrest or ask for gift cards. If in doubt, hang up and check your account at irs.gov.
- Can the IRS have me arrested for unpaid taxes over the phone?
- No. Tax debts go through notices and a legal process with rights to appeal.
- The caller knew my Social Security number. Is it real?
- No. Scammers buy leaked data. Knowing your details doesn't make them the IRS.