Fake IRS Tax Refund Scam

Calls, texts, or emails claiming you owe back taxes and will be arrested, or that you are owed a refund that requires you to pay a processing fee first — often via gift cards.

A caller, robocall, text, or email impersonates the IRS, claiming the victim owes back taxes and will be arrested, sued, or have their wages garnished unless they pay immediately, or alternatively dangling an unexpected refund that requires paying a "processing fee" first. The message manufactures panic, directs the victim to pay via gift cards, wire transfer, or a prepaid debit card, and often spoofs caller ID to display a Washington D.C. area code or an official-looking name to appear legitimate.

• Threats of immediate arrest, deportation, or license revocation for unpaid taxes.
• Demand for payment specifically via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
• Caller ID is spoofed to look like a government number.
• Refusal to let the taxpayer ask questions or call back through an official number.

• The IRS never calls demanding immediate payment or gift cards.
• The IRS never threatens arrest over the phone.
• Verify any IRS notice by calling 1-800-829-1040 directly.
• The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first, never phone or email.