IRS Scam Calls: What the Real IRS Does and Doesn't Do
The IRS usually contacts people by mail first. A phone call demanding immediate payment is a classic scam.
The usual script
A caller (often a recording) says you owe back taxes and that a warrant, arrest, deportation or license suspension is coming unless you pay today. They may give a badge number, know part of your Social Security number, and spoof a number that looks official.
What the IRS says it won't do
- Demand immediate payment, or call about a bill you haven't received by mail first.
- Demand payment by gift card, prepaid card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
- Threaten to send police or immigration to arrest you for not paying.
- Ask for card numbers over the phone.
What to do
- Hang up. Don't give any numbers, even to "confirm" them.
- If you think you owe tax, check your IRS online account on irs.gov, or call the IRS at its published number. See the IRS entry in our list of official numbers.
- Report the call at TIGTA and to the FTC.
Sources
Reviewed October 2026. Rules and scam tactics change; check the official pages for the latest.
Check a number
Got a number you don't recognize? Look it up to see where it started and whether it looks risky.
More guides
- One-Ring Calls: Why You Shouldn't Call Back
- Caller ID Spoofing: Why the Number Can Lie
- Social Security Scam Calls: Your Number Isn't Suspended
- Bank Fraud Alert Calls: How to Tell a Real One
- Fake Delivery Calls and Texts (USPS, FedEx, UPS)
- Tech Support Scams: Microsoft and Apple Don't Cold-Call
- Family Emergency Scams and Cloned Voices
- Robocalls and the Do Not Call List: What They Do
- How to Block Scam Calls and Report Them