Spotting IRS scams
The IRS starts most contact by mail. It doesn't call to demand immediate payment with a gift card, prepaid debit card or wire transfer, and it can't have you arrested for not paying. If someone does that, it's a scam.
What to know
- Expect mail first. The IRS says it starts most contact through regular mail, and even when it calls or visits, you'll generally have received letters first (IRS).
- Hang up on any caller who demands immediate payment with a gift card, prepaid debit card or wire transfer. The IRS doesn't do that (IRS).
- Ignore threats of arrest, deportation or losing your license. The IRS doesn't threaten to bring in police and can't revoke your driver's license (IRS).
- Don't click links in texts or emails that claim to be from the IRS. Go to IRS.gov yourself.
- If you do owe, pay the "United States Treasury" using the options at IRS.gov/payments (IRS).
See it done
How to Avoid Tax ScamsInternal Revenue Service · Length 1:35 · 2022
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Good to know
Real IRS visitors carry ID
An IRS employee who visits will show two forms of official credentials, and you have the right to see them (IRS).
Report it
The IRS explains where to report fake IRS emails, texts and calls, including phishing@irs.gov and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (IRS).
Paid with a gift card already?
Contact the gift card company right away and keep the card and receipt (FTC).
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service How to know it's really the IRS calling or knocking on your door
- Federal Trade Commission Avoiding and reporting gift card scams
- Internal Revenue Service Report phishing and online scams
Lesson M6.6 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?
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