Avoid IRS-Related Scams
Avoid IRS-Related Scams
TIGTA’s Office of Investigations investigates 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.
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.
- The IRS will NOT threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation for not making a payment.
If you are a victim of an IRS impersonation scam, report the scam to our hotline.
Our work protecting taxpayers:
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.
Learn more about IRS-related scams:
- Each year, the IRS publishes its “Dirty Dozen,” a list of common scams that taxpayers may encounter. Read more about the scams and how to spot one.
- Watch our YouTube public service announcements.