What should I do if I receive an unsolicited call claiming to be from the IRS?

Hang up immediately. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by phone. Verify your tax status online at IRS.gov and report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484 or online.

How can I identify a legitimate IRS communication?

The IRS typically communicates through official mail. They do not send unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages requesting personal or financial information. Always verify any communication by contacting the IRS directly using official contact information.

How to Protect Yourself from IRS Scam Calls

Receiving unsolicited calls claiming to be from the IRS is a common tactic used by scammers to steal personal information and money. Understanding how to recognize and respond to these fraudulent calls is crucial for protecting yourself.

What Are IRS Scam Calls?

IRS scam calls involve fraudsters impersonating IRS agents to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information or making immediate payments. These scammers often use threats of arrest, deportation, or license revocation to create a sense of urgency. They may also demand payment through unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers. (consumer.ftc.gov)

How Does the IRS Communicate with Taxpayers?

The IRS typically initiates contact with taxpayers through official mail. They do not make unsolicited calls, send emails, or use social media to request personal or financial information. If you owe taxes, the IRS will first mail a bill to your address. Only after this initial contact would they consider calling to discuss the matter further. (eitc.irs.gov)

Red Flags of IRS Scam Calls

Be vigilant for the following signs that a call may be a scam:

Immediate Payment Demands: The IRS will not demand immediate payment over the phone.
Threats of Arrest or Deportation: Scammers often threaten legal action to instill fear.
Unconventional Payment Methods: The IRS does not accept payments via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.
Spoofed Caller IDs: Scammers can fake caller IDs to appear as if they're calling from the IRS. (irs.gov)

Steps to Protect Yourself

Hang Up Immediately: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up without providing any information.
Verify Your Tax Status: Check your tax account information online at IRS.gov to confirm any outstanding balances.
Report the Scam: Report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 800-366-4484 or online. (irs.gov)
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about common tax scams and share this knowledge with friends and family.

How Robokiller Can Help

Robokiller is a leading call-blocking app that identifies and blocks scam calls, including those from individuals impersonating the IRS. By using Robokiller, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such scams. The app utilizes advanced algorithms and a comprehensive database of known scam numbers to protect users effectively.