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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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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

ruth
May 22, 2017
I just received a call on my cell phone stating they were making a lawsuit against me and also an arrest warrant on me because of my fraud with the IRS.
DONTASK
May 23, 2017
Got a call from (870)345-4744 and was told that the IRS was trying to reach me and to call and 877 number... I returned the call to the 870 number and told the lady who I could hardly understand, that I was recording the call for my protection and could she provide me with her name and agent number and I was told NO, she wouldn't provide me with anything and completely ignored me, was very rude and hung up, so I called back to bother her in return
murphy3
May 28, 2017
I got a message that I think is a scam. It was an automated mechanical female voice. She told me there were serious charges pending against me & to contact my local police so they could arrest me. She told me she was Rebecca Williams from the investigating office of the IRS & told me to call 802-647-8642. It nearly scared me out of my wits.Is this a scam?
dorie2
May 30, 2017
I received a call today from 1-609-250-9721 as a pre-recorded message saying I was going to be arrested and my property seized. I try to call back and my phone said the call failed. Please beware of these calls because they are scams.
RickBi
May 30, 2017

I got a call from someone claiming to be the IRS called on or over memorial day weekend 2017. left a call back number (401)283-0718 (Rhode Island) Of course sounds like a scam so I never heard of a call coming from across the country out of an IRS office in RHODE ISLAND. what a joke. Here's the number if you want to follow up.

Ridddder
May 31, 2017
Just got this Robocall today, it is as follows: This message has been executed by the US Treasury Department regarding tax fraud against your name, ignoring this would be an intentional attempt to avoid initial appearance before the magistrate, judge or exempt jury for a federal criminal offense. So before this claim goes before the claims court house, or you get arrested kindly call us back on our number as soon as possible. Our number is (619)537-7322, let me repeat that again (619)537-7322 we hope to hear from you soon before the charges are pressed against you, Thank you. I am posting so others may be aware of this scam
Newfie
May 31, 2017
Received the message at 12:16 p.m. today from 360-244-4232. Caller ID says simply Long Beach WA. The only thing different from the recorded message above was the creepy female voice repeated 360-244-4232 as the department's number.
Cherokee
June 01, 2017
I received a message today (It was an automated message left on my voice mail) from someone claiming to be Officer Steve Parker with the Internal Revenue Service. The message, and I quote, was, "This is officially a final notice from the IRS. The nature and purpose of this call is to inform you that we have received legal notice concerning a tax fraud against you." The number on Caller ID was 1-720-262-4678 and the address Denver, Colorado. I was hoping this scam had finally fizzled and died, but obviously it's still ongoing.
ImmenseNoob
June 07, 2017
As a rule of thumb, never answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. I never do. If it is important and from someone I happen to know, they would leave a message so I could hear them. (954) 495-4625 called me today. They left an automated voice message saying the usual spill about back taxes, call them back to keep from being reported to the police and being arrested yada yada yada. DO NOT give personal information to anyone over the phone that call you out of the blue and always ask for their information (name, employee number etc..) I get numerous calls from other area codes on a daily basis just about, but I never answer. One day I may be bored and decide to answer and figure a way to get them to call my local police department directly lols!
Jo
June 08, 2017
14122129544 Male robot voice this time and a little different wording then theirs.
Blondie81
June 12, 2017
Caller stated they were from the IRS and provided a badge number they were saying they issued a warrant for my arrest called from 1-844-568-2989
Sri
June 13, 2017
I received a call from a woman from 321-465 - 7461 threatning regarding a warrant has been issued for my arrest regarding property taxes. If I do not return her call to discuss that you will be arrested. This is a ongoing problem with this telephone call.
Got Fake IRS Call
June 13, 2017
Received a call from 360-818-7368 with an automatic message from the "IRS" threatening to file a lawsuit for failure to pay taxes. Please be aware.
Dani
June 13, 2017
Just got a call from 773-839-5170 -- the IRS is coming after me because I owe back taxes! What a joke. Unfortunately, some people fall for this.
Jackson
June 15, 2017
Got the same call from 912-304-4359
DF
June 19, 2017
just got a call from 614-349-9736 saying that my taxes are under investigation... it was a robo-call.
rvagher
June 22, 2017
Received an automated call from 773-536-1347 on June 22, 2017. the prerecorded message, in a woman's voice, said that the IRS has issued a warrant for my arrest and I am under surveillance and all my assets are being frozen. I was to call the number back immediately. When i did a man in a foreign voice answered "IRS" and when i said i was to call the about asset freeze and warrant he hung up. when i tried to call back all i got was a busy signal.
Michael
June 22, 2017
Got a fraudulent call from 1-888-360-1867 claiming they were the IRS. Hung up. Called back 6 hrs later number was disconnected, scammers!
JBM
June 23, 2017
I just got a call from 202-241-0934 stating that if I did not call them within 24 hrs, Id be arrested. They said they are from the federal government. Obvious scam but how do i report
ER
June 23, 2017
I just go a call from this number 708 480 1454 and the left automatically massage said they have arrested order for me and. The monitors my property and bank account . I really no believe this is a Irs number if someone they have call from that number replay this massage and they'll me more about
got call from …
July 06, 2017
561-270-8453 is a fake IRS caller
Don't use your…
July 06, 2017
The call me yesterday and today a got a warranty they let me a message to call back is that a scaam
truff
July 18, 2017
Received a robo call from 845-584-1378 regarding taxes and please call Agent Robert Clarkson otherwise there would be an arrest...
Raven
July 22, 2017
I have received several calls from 206-620-0501 it is a recording saying that it is the irs trying to reach me and that i need to call the number back to get more information. when I did it was a female with a strong indian accent that repeatedly told me it was the irs and that they where calling because i was in a lawsuit with the irs.
jari
July 24, 2017
I just got a call from a (516)548-9041 I have never cried my eyes out so hard. They got me I didn't give them any information but they had me goin I thought I was goin to jail I was so scared. I'm goin to report them in the morning
Bobbie
July 25, 2017
I received at call from 646-904-8674 (New York, NY) claiming to be the IRS. They stated in the voicemail that there would be legal actions and the local "cops" would come and arrest me. I find it hard to believe the IRS would call them "cops" ... LOL! I called the number back and a male with thick East Indian accent answer so I hung up.
Mike
July 27, 2017

In reply to by Bobbie

Same number just called me...added it to a contact in my phone I created called SPAMMERS and set it to never answer. Done and done!
Cassie N
July 28, 2017

I have constantly been receiving threating automated calls from the IRS stating that they're building a case against me and that I need to act apon it before they put me in jail. It's numerous out of state numbers too. This does in turn scream me because I don't want to do jail time. What would be my best action to take against this issue?

FTC Staff
July 28, 2017

In reply to by Cassie N

The real IRS does not call people or leave messages saying they will put you in jail. The real IRS does not threaten to have you arrested. If you think you might owe money to the IRS you can call 1-800-829-1040 or go to irs.gov.  Here are some ideas for blocking unwanted calls.

J
July 27, 2017
619-413-7308 received an automated call stating that if I do not return their call asap I could face federal charges.
Me
July 28, 2017
I just received the same thing, but after calling back the voice message got remove from my phone. Then I got a email asking me did I get a fault IRS call?When I open it blink and got deleted also of my phone. Tell me what is this all please! Help us. These people got to get caught. I do owe the IRS but if this is how they are scarring us to trap tax's owing people why not contact are employers HR Department with legal documents so they can call us and we can get an attorney. Stop this madness.
FTC Staff
July 28, 2017

In reply to by Me

If the IRS wants to reach you, they will send a letter. The IRS does not call you and tell you to pay right away.

If you know you owe the IRS, you could call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or go to irs.gov, or use the information in a letter the IRS already sent you.

WK
July 28, 2017
Just got one, "Washington DC" +1 (202) 558-2056
Again
July 29, 2017
I just got a call with the same message 202-558-2056
DP Person
August 02, 2017
Keep receiving fake IRS calls from 1(786)765-0263
ladyfree4371
August 03, 2017
Got a call from 202-558-2056 saying we are being sued by He IRS and need to call the Immediate Assistance line back right away.
Don't fall for it!
August 05, 2017
I got a call yesterday while I was on my break for work and let me tell you I was freaking out pretty bad when they were staring that my taxes were filled incorrectly and if I was doing it on purpose or just didn't notice. So I told them I get my taxes done by someone and I said I would call them and talk to them about it and the guy with the thick Accent stated that it's not in them now and it's on me and I owe an outstanding amount from 2012-2016 and that I had a warrant for my arrest and that the cops were on there way and the only way to cancel my arrest or make an appointment is to pay something and let me tell you they got really aggressive about it. I then spoke with my HR from work while leaving them on hold staring I was getting my wallet and my HR stated HANG UP! So I did and she told me about these types of scams going on and I read more into it and yea it pretty much matches all the scams I've read into.... so sad that people are so cruel .... and this morning about 30 minutes ago I received another call this time it was automated it was a lady whom sounded exactly as that recording above.... I tried calling back and was not able to I got a busy time.... good luck everyone and please don't fall for this! Let you close onces know as well!
FooledConsumer
October 11, 2017

In reply to by Don't fall for it!

This happened to me. Wish I had been in a safe place to google and find these blogs while this was happening. :(
Jamixintime
August 07, 2017
+19298411002 - IRS is legal notice regarding tax default. please call on +1-2027381678 for more details on urgent basis otherwise an arrest warrant will be issued to your local police. Got this message via text. REALLY! The IRS IS SENDING TEXT MESSAGES WITH THREATS. Hahahaha are scammers really this stupid?
Della 1961
August 09, 2017
They had my cell number stating that i owed 2,465.00 and they were going to turn it over to the attorney general and the sheriff will be coming to arrest me and thst i needed to get my lawyer this was person from Florida stating i wS under investigation and that i will be arrested tomorrow.
Benny
August 10, 2017

Thanks for the article setting our minds at ease. I want to share an fun way to reply: When I get a similar call and it's a live person I will say: "please hold" I wait a few seconds and say: "This call may be recorded for quality assurance. Please state your name, address and phone number for the record." I always get a click and dial tone next :-)

SajS89
August 13, 2017
Got a call left on my phone this was my last Chance the IRS has a warrant out for my arrest it scared me so bad I thought I was gonna die he said I had to pay at least$1000.00 of the 7000 he said I owed when I told him I didn't have that he said thier gonna local cope come get !everyone with warrant the number that called me was 9198387072 his name was Harry Johnson bage number AT4655 I was so scared but we at fair and their was a attorney general person thier I asked him and he said it's a scam I just thank this awful it made very sick and scared
Latest one
August 15, 2017
Johnathan Knight - IRS - 415-914-1567
SEW
August 15, 2017
Received multiple calls from 979-353-4065 left vm staying dialing warning the it's is filing a lawsuit against you, female robot call, call back immediately
Sanjose
August 15, 2017
Got a call from IRS same as recorded message. 970 372 2735 Another scam!!
Don
August 17, 2017
IRS is filling lawsuit against you, for more information call on +1-2097592486 on urgent basis otherwise your arrest warrant will be forwarded to your local police department and your property and bank accounts and social benefit will be frozen by government.
yoyo
August 17, 2017
Just received a call from a 270 area code saying something like this is a final notice, the irs is filing a lawsuit against you. we need you or your attorney to call us back on this number. It was a robocall. I'm assuming this is a scam? Not planning on calling back.
Asgoodasitget
August 19, 2017
I just got one to saying I have 4 federal charges against me from the irs and it was a foreign woman calling from 502 286 6023.
jslaw
August 19, 2017
I got call from the johnathan Night .. from Internal Revenue Service stating i was under federal investigation for something to do width taxes .. (646)291-8846
LJohnS
August 21, 2017
Got one of those robocalls telling me the IRS had filed suit, arrest warrant, etc and immediately filed a complaint with the FCC with all the CID information. The number was the same one I was told to call so it apparently wasn't spoofed. The ticket was promptly "closed" by the FCC which clearly isn't interested in catching these criminals.
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