Would the IRS call and demand immediate payment?
Threatening calls or texts demanding immediate tax payment through gift cards, wires, or crypto are scams.
“The IRS has issued a warrant for unpaid taxes. Pay today with gift cards or officers will come to your home.”
Why this is suspicious
Scammers impersonate the IRS and use arrest threats. The IRS does not demand a particular unusual payment method or threaten immediate arrest over the phone.
Warning signs
- The first contact is a threatening call or text
- They demand payment immediately
- They require gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- They refuse to let you review or appeal the debt
What to do next
- End the call
- Do not provide card, bank, or identity information
- Check your account at IRS.gov directly
- Report the impersonation through official IRS channels
If you already clicked or paid
For guidance on what to do after a possible scam, visit the FTC’s recovery guide. It covers different situations, including payments and personal information.
Official source: IRS tax scam alerts
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