IRS Imposter Scams: How to Spot a Fake Tax Call (FTC Video Guide)

A caller says you owe back taxes and will be arrested, lose your license, or be deported unless you pay today. Caller ID even says “IRS.” This is one of the most common government imposter scams. This short FTC video shows how it works. Our guide explains how real IRS contact usually happens and what to do instead of paying.

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Part of our Online Safety Video Library

What the video shows

The video explains that scammers pretend to be IRS officials and reach people by phone, email, or text, claiming they owe back taxes or that something is wrong with their return. They fake caller ID so the call looks official.

The callers make threats, such as arrest, a lawsuit, losing a license, or deportation, and push you to pay right away. The video stresses that the IRS normally starts with a letter in the mail and does not demand payment by prepaid card or wire transfer.

Key takeaways

• The IRS usually first contacts you by mail, not by a surprise phone call, email, or text.
• The IRS will not threaten to have you arrested or deported for not paying immediately.
• The IRS will not demand payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
• Caller ID that says “IRS” can be faked.
• If you are unsure whether you owe, check your own account on IRS.gov rather than trusting the caller.

If you get a call or message from the “IRS”

1. Do not pay and do not share your Social Security number, bank details, or any codes.
2. Hang up, or delete the email or text without clicking any links.
3. Check whether you really owe anything by signing in to your account at IRS.gov or calling the IRS using a number from the official website.
4. Report IRS impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at TIGTA.gov.
5. Also report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Phishing emails and texts about refunds

Some IRS imposters promise a refund instead of threatening you. A text or email says you have money waiting and asks you to click a link and “verify” your details. That is phishing. The IRS does not start contact about refunds or tax bills by text message or social media, so treat those messages as scams and delete them.

Common questions

Does the IRS ever call or visit?

In some situations an IRS employee may call or visit, usually after you have already received letters in the mail. Even then, they will not demand immediate payment by gift card or wire transfer or threaten arrest. If in doubt, hang up and call the IRS yourself.

The caller knew the last digits of my Social Security number. Is it real?

Not necessarily. Scammers can get personal details from data breaches. Knowing some of your information does not make them legitimate.

I already paid. What should I do?

Contact the company you paid through right away (the gift card company, wire service, or your bank) and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Then report it to TIGTA and the FTC.

Related guides

• Impersonation Scams: How to Spot Them
• How Scammers Tell You to Pay (Video Guide)
• Caller ID Spoofing (Video Guide)
• Gift Cards Are Only for Gifts

About this video

This video was produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency, and plays from the agency’s own channel. Juggling Chaos wrote this summary and guide; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the agency. Some details on screen, such as phone models or web addresses, may look dated, but the advice still applies. Checked October 7, 2026.

The IRS explains how it contacts taxpayers at How to know it’s really the IRS calling or knocking.