Real IRS never threatens arrest or demands instant payment
Quick Answer
Hang up immediately. IRS does not call to demand payment, threaten arrest, or request gift cards/crypto. Call the real IRS at 800-829-1040 if you have a tax question.
How the Scam Works
Scammer calls/texts/emails claiming to be IRS or “Treasury Agent.”
Threatens arrest, license suspension, or lawsuit if you don’t pay immediately.
Demands payment via gift cards, wire, Zelle, PayPal, or cryptocurrency.
Uses spoofed caller ID to look like “IRS” or a 202/800 number.
Red Flags
Threats of arrest or deportation
“Pay now or police will arrive” urgency
Payment requests in gift cards/crypto/wire
Asking for full SSN or bank logins
What To Do if You’re Contacted
Hang up or delete the message. Do not engage.
Do not send money via any channel the caller suggests.
Call the real IRS: 800-829-1040 (or the number on an official IRS letter) to confirm your account status.
Never share SSN, bank info, or one-time codes.
If You Already Paid or Shared Info
Contact your bank/card immediately to block or dispute the payment.
Report to the payment app (Zelle/PayPal/etc.) and request reversal.
Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus if you shared SSN.
File an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov if personal data was exposed.