How this Scam Works
Scammers may mislead you about tax refunds, credits and payments; pressuring you for personal, financial or employment information or money.

What to Look For:
A big payday. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media may convince you to lie on tax forms or mislead you about credits you can claim.

Demand or threats. Impersonators want you to pay "now or else." They threaten arrest or deportation. They do not let you question or appeal the amount of tax you owe.

Website Links. Odd or misspelled web links take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.

How to Protect Yourself
Know how the IRS will contact you if there is an actual issue. The first time is through regular U.S. mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Some letters are sent from private collection agencies. To verify a letter or notice received in the mail, search for it on IRS.gov.

The IRS will never:

• Contact you or take payment on social media.
• Accept gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment.
• Threaten to call law enforcement or immigration services.
• Take your citizenship status, driver's license or business license.
• Leave pre-recorded voicemails known as "robocalls."
• Mail tax debt resolution advertisements.

If you were scammed:
Protect your finances:

• Immediately stop interacting with the scammer.
• Don't send money or share personal information.
• Contact your financial institution.
• Follow the steps on IdentityTheft.gov.
• Report the scam here!