Think you’re talking to the IRS? These 10 red flags prove it’s a scam

As Americans rush to file their taxes before the deadline, the IRS has shared its “Dirty Dozen” list of top tax scams to watch for this year. Instead of trying to memorize every new scam each tax season, it’s easier to follow a few basic rules that will always help protect you from IRS scams.

If someone claiming to be the IRS does any of the following, it’s not the IRS—it’s a scammer trying to steal your personal information or money:

1. They call you first

The IRS will never call you without sending a letter in the mail first. If they do call, it’s only to set up an appointment or discuss an audit, not to ask for money over the phone. If someone claiming to be the IRS calls and demands payment, hang up immediately.

2. They leave a prerecorded voicemail

The IRS doesn’t leave urgent or threatening voicemails. If you get a prerecorded message like this, it’s not real. Just delete it.

3. They email you

The IRS does not use email to talk about tax debts or refunds. They rely on letters, not emails. If you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, mark it as spam and ignore it.

4. They text you

The IRS does not send text messages to remind you to file taxes or to ask for personal or financial information. If you get a text like this, it’s a scam—ignore and delete it.

5. They contact you on social media

The IRS doesn’t use social media to message people about taxes. If an account claiming to be the IRS sends you a direct message asking for personal information, like your Social Security number, block and ignore it.

6. They send you unofficial forms

The IRS rarely asks you to fill out forms, but if they do, you can verify the notice or letter on the official IRS website. If the form isn’t listed there, it’s likely a scam. To confirm, call the official IRS number directly.

7. They won’t give you their HSPD-12 card number

All IRS agents are required to carry an HSPD-12 card as official identification. You have the right to ask for this number and verify it by calling the IRS at 800-366-4484. If they refuse to provide it, they are not from the IRS.

8. They ask for your credit or debit card number over the phone

The IRS knows how risky it is to share financial information over the phone, so they will never ask you to do this. If someone claiming to be from the IRS requests your card information, it’s a scam.

9. They want you to pay with gift cards

Scammers often ask for gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or payments through peer-to-peer apps because these methods are hard to track and can’t be reversed. If an “IRS agent” asks you to pay this way, it’s a clear warning sign of a scam.

10. They threaten you

If someone claiming to be from the IRS says you’ll be arrested, deported, lose your driver’s license, or uses threats to scare you, it’s a scam. The IRS does not use intimidation. If you owe money, they will give you plenty of time and notice to respond or pay.

If you think you might owe the IRS, you can verify it by visiting the official IRS website. If you do owe money, you’ll have the option to pay in installments and send your payment directly to the IRS.

If you encounter any scams like these, you can report them online or by calling the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484. Stay alert and protect yourself!