Tax Relief Scam Calls - How to Protect Yourself

Here is how these scams work, how to spot them, and what to do if you are targeted.

Common Red Flags of a Tax Relief Scam

Scammers use specific tactics to create panic or false hope. Be on the lookout for these warning signs:

• Demands for immediate payment: They claim you must pay right away via unusual methods like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The IRS will never demand payment over the phone without mailing a bill first.
• Threats of arrest or legal action: They may threaten to send local police to arrest you, revoke your driver’s license, or deport you if you don't pay immediately. Government agencies do not use these scare tactics over the phone.
• Promises to settle debt for pennies: They guarantee they can drastically reduce your tax bill through "unadvertised" federal programs, often asking for a large upfront "fee" to get started.
• Spoofed caller ID: The call may look like it is coming from Washington, D.C., or a legitimate IRS phone number. Scammers easily fake this information.

How to Protect Yourself

If you receive an unexpected call about your taxes, protect yourself by following these steps:

• Hang up immediately: Do not engage, press any numbers, or speak to a live representative. Engaging tells the scammers your number is active, leading to more calls.
• Never give out personal info: Do not confirm your Social Security number, bank account details, or address over the phone.
• Check your actual tax status: If you think you might actually owe taxes, hang up and view your official account directly on the IRS.gov website, or call the IRS directly using their official, verified customer service line.

How to Report the Scam

Reporting these calls helps law enforcement track down fraud networks and block their numbers:

• The Treasury Inspector General (TIGTA): Report IRS-impersonation scams to the TIGTA Impersonation Scam Reporting page.
• The FTC: Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• The FCC: File a complaint about spoofed or robocalls at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov