Taxpayers should be aware that aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or personal information. The tax filing season is a prime time for phone scams because people are thinking about taxes.

Here are some tell-tale signs of a tax scam along with actions taxpayers can take if they receive a scam call.

The IRS will never:

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
• Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
• Call out of the blue about an unexpected tax refund.

Taxpayers who receive these phone calls should:

• Hang up the phone immediately.
• Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484.
• Report the number to phishing@irs.gov and be sure to put IRS Phone Scam in the subject line.

More information:
Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
Report Phishing and Online Scams