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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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ah969
September 21, 2017

In reply to by Ritz

On 9-21-17 I got a call on my cell phone from Jonathon Knight saying he was from the Fraud Department of the IRS he left a voicemail since I was at work the number he left was 214-269-3476
Lastarkey
October 31, 2017

In reply to by ah969

Just got call from Jonathan knight stating I was under investigation with Internal Revenue Service. Phone number 484-666-6302. You call back guy with Indian accent answers Internal Revenue Service. Of course I hung up.
J.
September 08, 2017

In reply to by Kat

I just got this exact call he also said his name was Jonathan Knight and the number was 202-559-7671
DMO
September 14, 2017

In reply to by EJF

I just received a call from Officer Johnathan Knight
e-mail address
September 14, 2017

In reply to by EJF

I just got the same name it was a texas number
jc
September 19, 2017

In reply to by e-mail address

I also just got a call from Officer Jonathan Knight from the Texas phone number 281-220-3389, as someone else also reported.
Sm
September 22, 2017

In reply to by jc

Just got one from Jonathan Knight as well. 8442235798. Threading fraudulent taxes.
MARIE
October 06, 2017

In reply to by Sm

I ask just got a call from a Jonathan knight. Number (469)281-9218 Grapevine, Texas. This was the message I was left. “Is Officer Jonathan night from IRS internal revenue service this is to notify you that you are under federal investigation because of the fraud in the _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ found in the audit report of your taxes you can reach me on 469-281-9218 _⁠_⁠_⁠_ trying to disregard the message or else it will be taken as an offense from your side again this is Officer Jonathan night from internal revenue service…”
Susa
October 13, 2017

In reply to by MARIE

I just got the same exact message from Jonathon knight the phone number was different though864 523 2007
Lindylindylindy
October 10, 2017

In reply to by Kat

Ok its now October 2017 and I just got a call from officer johnathon knight saying that I frauded the IRS . So obviously NO ONE has stopped these people from doing the same scam!!! Who is protecting us? And who do I call to notify someone that this is still happening???
MVPeek
October 22, 2017

In reply to by Lindylindylindy

Just got a call from shelbyville Kentucky staying once again it is johnathon knight or Wright with the “irs”. This is 2 years after most of you all posts.
fedupwiththese
October 30, 2017

In reply to by Lindylindylindy

Jonathan Knight an officer of the IRS sure does travel, got a call twice today, it was automated voicemail stating it was about fraud etc.etc. New York number. 718-303-4249
BaltimoreSue
November 14, 2017

In reply to by DB

well, it's now november 2017 and Jonathan Knight is still calling people & harassing them with federal prosecution for 'alleged' tax fraud. he called from washington state this morning...509-740-0316 i'm not calling back.
Outcast30
November 15, 2017

In reply to by BaltimoreSue

I just received the same call from Jonathan Knight from the exact same phone number. After doing some research I found out that these phone calls have been going on for at least three years and nobody seems to be doing anything about it.
Louisianakate
November 15, 2017

In reply to by BaltimoreSue

I just got a call with an automated voice saying that this is John knight with Internal Revenue Services and you are being audit for tax fraud please call back at 310-362-0003... so tired of these scams.
StopTheScammers
January 15, 2018

In reply to by BaltimoreSue

Now it is Jan 2018 - I just received his exact call from John Knight.
Popcorn
March 13, 2015
I get crazy phone calls and emails all the time .. it's crazy !!!! how about the email where the person is dying in the hospital in some foreign country and is going to inherit a pile of money and wants me to take the money and take care of her son in America
Maidendance
March 14, 2015
I received a call like this one on my parents phone. They are both 72 years old and are on the "do not call list" yet they get an average of 5 calls daily from various sources. The last one said "The IRS is filing a lawsuit...please call 360-663-4445. This was today, March 14, 2015. Sometimes your OWN phone number shows up as the call number on the caller ID. This is rampant!
MsLiberty
March 16, 2015
I remember getting a phone call from the IRS from Washington state. Since I missed their phone call, I called them back-just for the thrill of it. A male voice answered the phone, and I asked him if he was working for the IRS. He told me that I had an outstanding debt with them. I explained to this idiot that I don't live in Washington state, and what he's doing is a scam. This man kept talking over me, so that was my cue to give him a piece of my mind. I did threaten him that if he were to call me again, I will have his sorry behind prosecuted for fraud, and that's when I ended the phone call. First off, the IRS does NOT make phone calls!! If they want something from you, they're going to send you some mail. I'm a firm believer in Karma, and hopefully, they will be arrested and prosecuted for their nonsense.
irs-scammers
March 16, 2015
I am from India and I tracked these guys down by playing along with them. These scums have a call center in gurgoan (near delhi) and they use VOIP, and things like Vonage /magic jack etc, through which you can get a local US number. The problem seems complex with international scammers, jurisdiction issues etc.
Ban
March 17, 2015
March 17,2015 around 11:45 AM. I had received call from 760 676 0259 number the caller said Internal Revenue Service"s". Please ASAP
martin
March 17, 2015
THE TELEFRAUD PERSON SITS IN A LARGE ROOM WITH OTHERS(BACKGROUND NOISE). NOW HE HAS A WOMAN TO MAKE CALLS. NICE SETINGS!
Lulu
March 17, 2015
Just received a message from "irs" from number 415-236-3632
Beeka
March 18, 2015
Same thing. Mines names is Steve Martin and I apparently will get a Grand Jury in front if the magistrate. Screamed obscenities at me when challenged. No I won't send you money nor ..... Your ..... Brazen beyond belief. Clearly not afraid if getting caught. We are all reporting it. My guess is it's a call Ctr in India with fairly sophisticated users. They will tell you based on a YOUR address where the closest place to buy a prepaid debit card for them. That's kinda freaky that they know address but really I think they are actually thousands if miles a way. Very disconcerting tho!!!!
RBEI8830
March 18, 2015
Just receieved a call from fake IRS agents threatening me with jail and that there was a warrant out for my arrest. Tel Number was 773-672-3238-Chicago Illinois.Individual name was Katrina Cole- fake badge number 15206932653. She transferred me to her dep head-Steve Wilson. Both had heavy foreign accents but common names.
Troy
March 18, 2015
This same number calling me weekly treating me saying they are with the IRS And need me to settle. 619-378-0051. They Leave messages on my phone.
Ken
March 18, 2015
Just got 2 messages from "Steve Martin". He mentioned some kind of enforcement action from the Treasury. His number is 408-372-5343. I guess these scammers are SNL fans.
Donaldo
March 18, 2015
I get a call today from "IRS" saying they are trying to reach me and they are filing a lawsuit against me and it is my final notice. Call 509-207-4069 immediately" I have filed my complaint to hopefully catch these people.
dog476
March 18, 2015
Got a call from some detective. Asked the case number and he told me CD8642. Can you tell me if it true or not cause I think it's strange a Illinois number is calling me telling me that and saying there's a officer headed to my house to get me and when I asked what the case was for he said you'll find out in court
FTC Staff
March 19, 2015

In reply to by dog476

Current technology makes it easy for scammers to fake or “spoof” caller ID information. Although you saw an Illinois number, the caller wasn't necessarily in Illinois.

KWD1445
April 10, 2015

In reply to by dog476

dog476 - looks like we have the same case#. I recieved the exact same call and given the identical case number.
crmineros20
March 18, 2015
I had received a call today from someone trying to scam me. They called and said they were from the IRS and their name was officer copper and if we didn't act now then there would be trouble. The phone number that called was 818-290-8613. I also recieved a voice mail from the same person stating that their name was mike Watson and that I need to call right away because it is the IRS and if I don't call back there will be trouble. This person also knew my information. Knew my name and my husbands name.
tired of-scams
March 19, 2015

In reply to by crmineros20

I JUST RECEIVED A VOICEMAIL FROM 818 356 9243 CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE IRS AND THAT I SHOULD CALL IMMEDIATELY, NEEDLESS TO SAY I DID NOT.
wisetothescam
February 28, 2018

In reply to by tired of-scams

I received a voice mail from a "irs agent using VOIP today it immediately raised a red flag in my mind. I reported it to the FTC and I hope they catch the crook.
belyle
March 20, 2015
Got 2 calls today from 800 numbers (800-829-1040 and 800-366-4484) saying I was being charged with tax fraud but could 'clear it up' if I called them first. Got to be bogus but sure is nerve wracking!
yukipuki
March 22, 2015

In reply to by belyle

OMG! I received the same call from that same 800# on my cell! I went to the IRS website and it's the toll free number for the "IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals". REALLY??? This ph# 703-662-8335 came to my cell as well! The same east Indian accent as all previous calls.
LJW
June 02, 2015

In reply to by belyle

I got one of these calls last week. I just hung up on them. It is scary.
ahz
March 23, 2015
Got the robocall this morning at 11:22 from Unknown 1.The number to call them is 509-207-4031 I did save the msg. if anyone wants it to prosecute them.
V.D.
March 20, 2015
I received two recorded phone calls from the "I.R.S." telling me that I have a law suit on my back. I know tha the IRS would call itself the Internal Revenue Service; that is would only mail a letter to alert me if something was wrong. I did call the number once, but it was a dead end. I cannot help thinking of the people that have no clue and let themself fooled. From Santa Barbara, CA.
notbuyingtaxscam
March 20, 2015
Got a call from 703 879-6767. Left a message saying she was Rebecca Martin (married to Steve Marting in some of the previous comments?) from IRS tax crime investigation unit.Heavy accent, said that there was an affadavit for tax evasion and we should call the number. I already looked on line regarding tax scams so I called and told her that I knew this was a scam. She hung up. I tried to call again, but phone number was busy.
captcha
March 20, 2015
I got a robo call from 509-207-4646 saying that the IRS is going to sue me today.
Peanuts
March 20, 2015
I just received three of these Fake IRA Scam Phone 360-200-0964. By the third time I finally blocked the call.
buddyboo
March 20, 2015
got yet another call from sgt. ? couldnt undrstand thru the thick accent. They asked me if i had a lawyer as there was pending litigation against me. Toled them i didnt need a lawyer just someone to take mew off their spam list. He aparently didnt like that and told me their would be somone at my door with in 2 hrs. Told him fine and to please take me off the fake microsoft tech list aswell as im tired of that spam also
steve
March 20, 2015
got live person call yesterday with a threat if i did not respond lol also gave me case number an phone number 2027951580 it goes to an auto dialer but wont connect just rings once caller id showed washington as an id
Too smart 2
March 20, 2015
Got the IRS call today from 509-207-4646.
billhpaloalto
March 28, 2015

In reply to by Too smart 2

I got the same call today. What a scam! Can't these people be stopped? I filed complaints with FTC and IRS.
irs call
March 20, 2015
I got the recorded call this afternoon at 2:11 pm. The number to call back was 509-207-4069.
Deepa
March 21, 2015
I got a call from the IRS on March 18th 10:14 a.m in the morning.The first call was from 911 calling for my arrest and asking where I was located. When I had asked the reason for arrest they said my taxes were due.My husband travelled to India and there was a co-incidence I had not mailed that tax check relating it to that I believed them.They held me kind of hostage over phone till 6:44p.m and I have lost 11000 dollars.And this morning I also received alert saying that they have mis used my identity and filed some criminal case.Someone please help to stop this fraudulent scam.I am struggling and fighting against this to get my money back and protect my identity. They had all my information including dob social security.They folks are doing this crime from India as per my analysis.Please help I would like to create more awareness to people and also stop this crap and get these people behind bars.
FTC Staff
March 23, 2015

In reply to by Deepa

If you think someone misused your identity, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Find more information about identity theft at ftc.gov/idtheft. That page will tell you what to do right away.

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