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Here at the FTC, we think about scams all day long. What are the scammers’ new angles? How can we keep ahead of them? We hear from people about the scams they see, and we turn that into tips people use to spot and avoid scams.

But scammers find FTC staff, just as they find the rest of America. My colleagues and I have even gotten calls on our work phones, offering reduced credit card interest rates, or claiming to be tech support calling about problems with our computers. We also get the calls at home. In fact, someone claiming to work for the IRS called my house just last week:

This has all the signs of an IRS imposter scam. In fact, the IRS won’t call out of the blue to ask for payment, won’t demand a specific form of payment, and won’t leave a message threatening to sue you if you don’t pay right away. Have you gotten a bogus IRS call like this? If you did, report the call to the FTC and to TIGTA – include the phone number it came from, along with any details you have.

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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
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John Bravo
November 27, 2015

Called me twice today 11/27/15 on my cell. 425-533-9876 and 509-492-5189 "the IRS is suing you" Both numbers go to state of WA. different addresses. Can't FCC or FTC nail these sons of guns?

FTC Staff
November 27, 2015

In reply to by John Bravo

Please report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The information you give goes into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Blog comments don't go in the database.

 

User111
November 27, 2015
Received a call from 360-200-4562 informing me that the IRS is suing me. Did not respond.
Fatima
November 28, 2015
I received 7 calls from Washington, DC and I didn't pick up once but then I got 3 voicemail's. I listened to them and they are exactly the same: a thick Indian accented man saying it's the IRS and I'm involved in some fraud and that I should call back immediately. I had a feeling it was fake so I came online to see if anything similar has happened to anyone else. I found this site and It's only convinced me I was right. Not calling back. Here's the number: 1 (202) 657-6646
FTC Staff
November 30, 2015

In reply to by Fatima

Please report this to ftc.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Blog comments don't go into the database.

Doug
December 02, 2015
robocall from IRS threatening lawsuit 509-492-5553
SB
December 04, 2015
Has anyone ever actually tried to call the IRS? I have. It took me a YEAR to finally get a real person on the line. The idea that they expected me to CALL THEM was a dead give away.
Why Me
December 04, 2015
Got 2 calls just like the above recording today. One at 5:47am. Caller ID says Washington DC at 202-697-9946. I blocked it. Got another one at 11:12am. Caller ID is Starbuck WA. at 589-320-4122.
spookdog
December 07, 2015
Wow at all the numbers these scammers are using. Just recieved the same type of message as everyone else. Heres the number they left. 509 850 3393. Hope it helps someone stop these vermin
Old, Sick and Broke
December 08, 2015
The IRS call had me going until I wrote it out and analyzed it. Name not mentioned or the tax year or other which caused the IRS to sue. They use the term Services instead of Service. Dirt bags As for the computer scam, ask them which Operating System you are using? They can't tell you. Do they work for Microsoft? They lie or avoid that question. Where are you calling from? One said Dubai (sp). They must be making money or they wouldn't continue calling. Dirt bags....
LWhite
December 08, 2015
I received this message from a 509-315-1186 this morning. Same message being from the IRS. But they have changed their number.
Yayathebody
December 09, 2015
I received a call from the so-called irs this evening (2063171646) some Indian guy he said I was granted $9,000 because I have a good payment record, no criminal record etc... I maybe young (26) but I caught on right away (momma didn't raise no fool lol),so quickly I was like I recently got a felony, my credit is messed up and he hung up on me so fast lol. But because they knew my name it does have me a bit worried for identity theft. What should I do now, ignore it or get some protection for my name?
FTC Staff
December 09, 2015

In reply to by Yayathebody

Scammers can get a lot of information from public sources, like online directories, public records in your town, social networking sites, professional networking sites, etc. If you're worried about someone misusing your personal information, go to identitytheft.gov and click the button near the top that says "Did you get a data breach notice."

barby flaa
December 10, 2015

I just received such a call this morning about an hour ago; it is 10:30am now 12 10 15 eastern time usa...the phone number it came from is: 509-872-5503 hope this helps to catch these freaks

LouisianaGirl2016
December 10, 2015
Robocall labeled as Grandview, WA, 1-509-203-4928, giving the same message, "Final warning, lawsuit, blah blah blah..."
Tia
December 10, 2015
I Just got a call this morning from 202 386-0453 claiming to be from the IRS and they said this was their final attempt at contacting me before filing a lawsuit. I called them back and a woman with a thick Indian accent answered and asked for my husband and my name,before even considering this could be a scam I gave them our names(no other personal info) then they said they were putting me on hold to look up my info. The line went dead after that. I'm really hoping I didn't make a really stupid mistake by giving they our names!!
barby flaa
December 10, 2015
they called again and this is two calls today; stating irs is suing us; this time from Washington dc phone # 202/738-1742
FélixQ
December 10, 2015
Date : Dec 10 2015 05:00:08 PM From : Aberdeen WA (13606374890) "It's from IRS Internal Revenue Service. The reason of this call is to inform you that IRS is filing a lawsuit against you to get more information about this case file. Please call immediately on our department number 360-637-4890. I repeat 360-637-4890. Thank you. Goodbye."
heather
December 11, 2015
I got the same sort of call today; female computerized voice telling me the IRS was going to file lawsuit against me. It came from 210-807-4066
Okok
December 14, 2015
I got a call from a number I haven't seen on this board yet. (386) 313-8252 from Bunnell, FL at 6:45am. Same song, same dance.
GOTT-JAHH
December 14, 2015
The robocall came in today. These certainly are strange times....one has to wonder WHO would fall for this stuff....
Concerned Brother
December 15, 2015
My 18 year old son was at work today and he got a voicemail from this group. The second time they called, he answered the call and it was a threatening recording, he said his name was Jason Smith and that we need to call an attorney because they are coming after him and if he likes his life he will respond quickly. So my son, became very upset, because his phone number belonged to his sister just a month ago, and she moved out of state with her new baby and her fiancé'. To him this was real. He thought her life was in danger. He even called the police to make a report and was still upset when I picked him up from work. I googled the phone number when I got home and found this site, thank you everyone for the messages because this put us both at ease.
Atlanta
December 16, 2015
312-985-5367 IRS area code Chicago. Got the same robo call saying they are filling a lawsuit against me. Call was about 6am.
Sick of these people
December 16, 2015
I received a call as well and knew immediately what it was. I have been trying to call the number back just so I can say the exact same thing to them and to screw with them. No answer...
DennisB
December 17, 2015
IRS Telephone Scam from 254-829-5225. Robo call.
BizOwner
December 18, 2015
Received a call (pre-recorded robo call) this morning from 509-588-7558 claiming to be the IRS and stating that they were filing a lawsuit against me. After reading several posts regarding this scam, no less than a firing squad would satisfy me when it comes to "dealing" with these repulsive scammers. They cost our country billions in lost revenue and productivity - not to mention the grief from worry by some who think it could be real.
iritated
December 23, 2015
IRS Scam left a robocall message to call back to a Lauren Matthews at 347 321 9773.
cathmcc
December 24, 2015
Another number to add to IRS scam list. Call back number was 860-222-1085. Don't know number called from.
R
December 30, 2015
Caller claimed to be IRS agent. Said I was in serious trouble for tax evasion. Hung up on him then called the number back 202-681-3882. Male with a heavy Indian accent answered. I played along got his name James Brown. Said I was in serious trouble for tax evasion. I asked what do I do now? He said to go to an address with my wife and daughter. The address he gave was my address but I played dumb. I said I don't have kids. He lost his composure said I was unsatisfying to my wife, I played dumb kept toying with him. Said I had a medical condition I forget things a lot asked for his name again and where he would meet me. He gave me my address again said be there with my wife and daughter after 11pm. I assured him we would be there. We would be bringing a friend Mr. Smith and Mrs. Wesson.
rcr
January 05, 2016
Got a call from 509-643-4481 (01/05/16 12:29PM EST) . they left me a message saying that IRS is filing a lawsuit against me and asked me to call back at that number.
239-938-7601
January 06, 2016
Rcvd a call, sounds same as stories posted here. Thick indian accented female named Christie Brown calling from audit department of irs. We hung up because (1) IRS doesn't call people, and (2) she identified herself before confirming who she was talking to. We reported to www.tigta.gov but the weird thing is when you look the number up it does say it goes to the IRS. The difference is the address on google goes to Accudata Marketing. Very realistic.
WTH
January 06, 2016
I had a message that said this is a final attempt to reach me and to call 703-763-4739 to get my case #. When I called this number a very heavily accented man answered I.R.S. (I could barley make out what he was saying)I was then transferred to agent Brown and she informed me that I was being charged with tax fraud and wanted my criminal lawyers name and # kinda freaked me out I don't know why I would be charged with tax fraud but I do my own taxes and guess I could have screwed it up. She gave me my case # and I told her I would call her back in the morning. She was insistent that I call her back today because she could not hold my case for long and if I checked the case number locally it would not show up because it has not been registered yet. Is this a scam?
FTC Staff
January 07, 2016

In reply to by WTH

If you owe — or think you owe — federal taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or go to irs.gov. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions.

When the IRS contacts people about unpaid taxes, they do it by postal mail, not by phone.The IRS will not call you out of the blue to ask for payment. The IRS won't demand a specific form of payment, and won’t leave a message threatening to sue you if you don’t pay right away.

You can report the call to the FTC and to TIGTA (the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration). Include the phone number it came from and any details you have.

dontplayme!
January 07, 2016
Just got a call from 201-588-3046. Just reported it.
MadasHell
January 07, 2016
Have received 2 calls from pseudo IRS informing me I am being sued. One yesterday 478-491-7095 and one today 420-354-4239. I couldn't reach a warm body at IRS so I reported it to FTC. Next stop Inspector General for Tax Admin.
Salinasilver
January 08, 2016
yup, happened exactly like you guys. 315 510 5504 new york area code, thick Indian male accent, said i had to get a lawyer, i owed $5,000 since 2008-Present. Couldn't fool me I'm very good with my taxes and thankfully very paranoid at any phone call. He just knew my name and phone number. also, the number that called was new york area code, i picked it up and it advised me to call back the same number. I did and that when he asked for my number, i gave it and he told me my name. then after i asked him how i knew he was official and that i would take up the matter with my tax accountant this year... he hung up. not buying this scam
miss
January 08, 2016
Received 2 calls today on my cell phone from 360-362-5970 with an automated male voice saying that I need to call the legal department of the IRS at that phone number because there is a lawsuit being filed against me. Really?...at first it is a little worrisome - for about 1 second and then the reality of how absurd these idiots making the call must really be to think somebody would fall for that. smh... go ahead...keep wasting your time calling my # will NOT get you anything.
The Boi
January 11, 2016
I just got the same call this morning and afternoon.. the two numbers are 347-632-0577, 406-924-9304
BoY
January 13, 2016
Today i received a phone call from 509-492-3968 they said they were from the IRS, and i owed them money from 2009-2014 in the amount of $947. I said i did not have the money.The guy on the other side of the phone referred me to a Neil Matthews. He said it was the last day to pay and the case would be referred to the courts and i can be arrested and have to pay a fine of about 10,000 dollars. I told them i did not have the money in the bank, the guy on the other end said if i could make a deposit of 500 dollars. Then the guy said not to talk to any third party like your wife or police. I looked up the 509 area code on the phone and it was in Washington State. From then on i felt it was a SCAM !!!! When my wife got home and also asked my sister in law, They said it was a Scam.
CT
January 19, 2016
I JUST GOT A PHONE CALL, CLR ID 347-627-0314, MESSAGE STATING ITS THE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE UNDER IRS CALLING AND THEY HAVE A WARRANT AGAINST ME, FEMALE WITH A VERY THICK INDIAN ACCENT, COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HER NAME SHE GAVE, SAID SHE NEEDED ME TO CALL IMMEDIATELY AND IF I FAIL TO CALL THEM BACK THEY WILL BE REPORTING THIS MATTER TO THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT.
origgidge
March 15, 2016

In reply to by CT

mine was a heavy indian accent also said he was was an officer I couldn't understand the name either but the same warrant and investigation.
Uncle Sam
January 20, 2016
I just got a call from officer David John dialing from 206-708-2849 asking for information, can someone please put an end to this? too many similar calls saying we are going to get arrested, I know when I called FTC last year they said not to answer these calls...
MP
January 21, 2016
Just got this crap on my phone today.
FJL
January 23, 2016
Got a robocall this morning from a 360-262-6173 number in Chehalis, WA stating the IRS has issued a warrant for my arrest. When I called back the number the man with a very strong Indian accent answered the phone "IRS may I help you." I asked why he called my number. He said there was a non bailable warrant issued for an arrest in my name. I asked in whose name? He adamantly said " in your name ma'am". Then I asked what was my name and he said he had to check him system. So realized it was a scam and hung up immediately.
Wire Paladin S…
January 24, 2016
I called these bozos so many times i now get a recording that the line is busy
Ted
January 25, 2016
I got the same exact recording from the phone number 605-277-9384. Stupid scammers.
Oregon
January 25, 2016
I have recieved calls everyday this week. Vicky Johnson and Officer Kevin Johnson. Area codes 347 or 973, 713. All different numbers, and they do scare you at first,say your going to be arrested and trying to really scare you! It's horriable what this is doing to people. It needs to be stopped,and it should be!!!
tomdragon
January 26, 2016
Hi, I got a call jus tnow like 5 mins ago saying they were the Cook COunty Sheriff's office and hat im under house arrest lol what? They didn't say my name or any of my information at all and I couldn't understand him at all. So i said i was 14 years old and hanged up. The number is 3125504530
Arizona Bob
January 27, 2016
Same scam only from 202-386-0907. After confronting him I learned they can swear in English very well. I call them quite frequently due to the fact while I have them tied up elderly victims can't get hurt. If well all did this when when had a free moment would help lots of folks who can't afford to have this happen to them. Try it its fun...
IRS my ASS
January 27, 2016
I got a call today 1/27/16 from an automated voice (Same as the recording above) saying that I was being sued by the IRS and that I needed to call them back at 347 854-0427. I called and some numbskull answered and blurted out something that made no sense, and then dropped the phone and hung up. lol
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