IRS Scam Voicemail, Overdue Tax Bill, Arrest and Gift Cards

Key Characteristics of this Scam

• Vishing: Scammers use phone calls or pre-recorded voicemails to trick people into revealing sensitive information or sending money.

• False Authority and Threats: The caller pretends to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and uses fear, such as threats of immediate arrest or police action, to force a reaction.

• Unusual Payment Demands: Real government agencies never demand payment using retail gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

How the Real IRS Operates

• Mail First: The IRS always initiates contact regarding unpaid taxes through official letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service—never through a cold call or threatening voicemail.

• No Arrest Threats: The IRS does not threaten people with immediate arrest over the phone, nor do they send local police or law enforcement to detain someone for a tax bill.

• Legitimate Payment Channels: Payments are only accepted through official methods listed on IRS.gov (such as electronic funds withdrawal, credit/debit card, or check made out to the U.S. Treasury).

What You Should Do

• Do not call back or follow any instructions left in the voicemail.

• Do not buy gift cards or provide any financial or personal details.

• Report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• Verify your tax status independently by calling the official IRS number at 1-800-829-1040 if you genuinely believe you might have an unaddressed tax question.