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Avoid IRS-Related Scams

TIGTA's Office of Investigations is dedicated to investigating external attempts to corrupt or interfere with the administration of Federal tax laws. These attempts often involve the impersonation of IRS officials to steal people's money or their personal information.

To avoid IRS-related scams, remember:

  • Generally, the IRS will contact you by mail, NOT by phone.
  • The IRS will NOT request payment using an iTunes gift card, prepaid debit card, money order, or wire transfer.
  • The IRS will NOT request personal or financial information by email, text, letter, or social media.

If you are a victim of an IRS impersonation scam, report the scam to our hotline.

Between March 2013 and March 2025, 16,281 victims reported to TIGTA that they had collectively lost more than $114 million to impersonation scams. We initiated 980 impersonation scam-related investigations, leading to 251 convictions and collective sentences of more than 1,079 years imprisonment and $256 million to be paid in restitution.

A graphic showing TIGTA's impersonation scam investigative stats next to a cell phone with a fake message pretending to be the IRS promising a refund.

Learn more about IRS-related scams: