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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
Scams
Government Impersonators
IRS Impersonators

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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 won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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.

Mainah
May 21, 2018
Steve Parker is busy...called me from 6053906892...throw these idiots in jail
Sagerat015
May 25, 2018
I got a call from a Jamaican number 876-360-6489 calling them selves mike wilson, saying I was randomly selected for a car and $850,000
what the heck?
May 30, 2018
Received this voice mail today 5-30-18 "the reason of the call is to inform you that internal revenue service is filling a lawsuit against you to get more information. About this case file, please call us immediately on our dept number 219 384 7872. I repeat 219 384 7872. thank you"
Another Scam
May 31, 2018
202-856-7594 called similarly claiming to be the IRS and federal charges are pending if I do not act now. It didn't make much sense. Accidently hit call back and a male voice answered, I just let them give up and hang up.
Seriously?
June 13, 2018
Our business office received 2 of these calls today: 443-465-7397 which came up with abt. 8 different addresses including 2400 Lincoln Avenue, Trlr 13, Sparrows Pt., MD, Rosedale, MD, Towson, MD, and Jacksonville, FL & then later received from 331-775-6274 in either Downers Grove, IL or Elgin, IL. Same thing - IRS - fraud - lawsuit
Gloria-in-Ohio
June 14, 2018
Cleveland Ohio - June 14, 2018- I just got a similar call 507 721-0463 and i called back before I heard the message. I spoke to a person named Jordan Belforp, Federal badge IRM7014750, who gave me this case # Case file CF531Nov. Said I had not reported income that a lawsuit had been filed, that I should hire a criminal attorney. Not sure where this was heading, told him that I didn't believe this call, had never received anything in writing from the IRS. The guy claimed a certified letter was attempted to be delivered. I said, at what address? It took a moment but they had my address. I asked when? They provided a date. At this point I said well, I'm doubtful this is true so I'm hanging up and I'll call the IRS myself to follow up. When I said this he again warned me that a warrant would be issues for my arrest and hung up abruptly.
Upset in akansas
June 16, 2018
I have been receiving call from a " officer williams" from the "IRS" saying i owe over $5,000. And if i failed to pay, i would be arrested, my drivers license would be revoked and they would foreclose on my house. The number they called from was 1-240-833-5504. Does tje irs out source their collection to india?
Eme in ny
June 19, 2018
Just got a auto voice msg from Steve Parker IRS officer stating I am to call them back ASAP as there is a fraud lawsuit against me and it’s the last notification before my arrest. The call came from ‭+1 (510) 280-3376‬
RPJ
October 03, 2018

In reply to by Eme in ny

I received the same call today from Officer Parker, he was calling from the Department of Treasury. What BS, haha.
barb
June 20, 2018
Received the same call from this number yesterday: (510) 280-3376‬ They said the same thing, I’ll be arrested if I don’t pay right away. I got scared but then googled this number and indeed this was a scam. When I told them I know they’re not the IRS, they got aggressive and started threatening me with jail time and the police. Both of them were speaking an accent. Be aware of these people, heyre technique is getting more sophisticated.
SAMB
June 22, 2018
2022580058 CALLED STATED I HAD AN ARREST WARRANT FOR TAX EVASION AND I'M INVOLVED IN A LAWSUIT ALSO, I STAYED ON THE LINE A MALE WITH A MIDDLE EASTERN ACCENT CAME ON LINE STATED: INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE HOW MAY I HELP YOU?
Bailey
June 25, 2018
Been receiving calls from 202-996-5933 and a 516 number then when I continue to hang out in them they change it to a 405-297-1000 number. stating that there was a warrant for my arrest as a result of some irs fraud. They told me to call that number back to resolve. I know it is a scam and haven't even bothered to call them back. They said I owed like $7000 and if I paid $1000 they would cancel the warrant. And the reason I didn’t receive any info that I owed anything is that there was a warrant out for my arrest. That everything we talked about had to be keep confidential. No matter who asked, even my family.
Bailey
June 25, 2018
Been receiving calls from 202-996-5933 and a 516 number then when I continue to hang out in them they change it to a 405-297-1000 number. stating that there was a warrant for my arrest as a result of some irs fraud. They told me to call that number back to resolve. I know it is a scam and haven't even bothered to call them back. They said I owed like $7000 and if I paid $1000 they would cancel the warrant. And the reason I didn’t receive any info that I owed anything is that there was a warrant out for my arrest. That everything we talked about had to be keep confidential. No matter who asked, even my family.
cjrothwell
June 26, 2018
I received a call today from a restricted number. It appeared to be a robo call. Claimed I had committed fraud with the IRS and that there was a warrant. I was instructed to call 240-621-4822 immediately.
intheknow
June 27, 2018
In California and received a call from 360-406-4644 with an automated message that stated: "We have just received a notification regarding your tax filings from the headquarters which will get expired in the next 24 working hours and once it gets expired after that you will be taking under custody by the local cops there are four serious allegations . We request that you get back to us so that we can discuss this case before taking any legal action. " I called the number back a couple of times just to see and of course no answer.
Carrie Anne
June 28, 2018

In reply to by intheknow

I received this same voicemail I trust to answer for phone numbers I don't know especially with area codes I don't know this is crazy how they're trying to scam everyone now with threats
prissymom
August 13, 2018

In reply to by intheknow

I have received the same call in Mississippi off and on for the last several months. I knew it had to be a scam and that the IRS would never call demanding payment or threatening you with jail time. This is just crazy and awful and needs to be stopped!
Crane22
June 28, 2018
Multiple calls this week from 760 290-7126, Agent Steve Parker stating I need to settle a debt or i will be arrested.
AK
June 28, 2018
Same call from an imposter of IRS saying I am being sued and that they will come get me if I don't call this BS number 202-599-8854.
MS
July 02, 2018
I got a call from 606-637-3534 (Kentucky). I called them back and quickly realized I realized it was clearly a scam. There is no way for me to be charged for this phone call correct? It seemed like they kept trying to drag on the conversation but never actually asked for money before I hung up (although they said I owed over $3000).
Jamie
July 09, 2018
I just receieved a phone call from 646-682-0847. Left a voicemail stating that the IRS has issued an arrest warrant and will be at my home within 1 hour. I called the number and was immediately hung up on when i asked for the name of the company.
reston
July 11, 2018
got a call from 1 410 618 1396 with the IRS scam officer florence brown batch id irm5466
GM
July 14, 2018
I received two calls over the past week from 410-618-1396 - claiming to be the IRS and threatening to sue me
daj492003
July 19, 2018
I have receive 3 calls from 914-301-3389 in Bedford, NY just today. They have called before. When I call back to tell them I'm no idiot they just hang up on me. Today I left a message telling them I have their number and that I'm not stupid enough to fall for this and if they don't stop calling I will report them, which actually I have already done.
karry86
July 23, 2018
Received a called from 360-474-4712 they left a voicemail saying hey will take actions with the police if I don’t return their call back. I did called them back asked them for their company name and they claim they were the IRS! And demanding information about me !! I told them I don’ give information to scammers because the IRS don’t call you out of nowhere and told them to STOP calling my # and I simply hang up on them !!! I’m sure they are going to continue calling my # be careful
scamnomore
July 31, 2018
646.682.0898 called me with the same voice saying that a warrant for my arrest was issued by “the IRS” and that I needed to call that same number to rectify my issue before they take action.
playne jayne
August 01, 2018
got a call from 315-878-8751 claiming the irs has filed a law suit on me for a tax deficiency and fraud. SCAM! Tried to call back got call rejected message from two different numbers, my numbers show us as restricted that's why.
another one
August 03, 2018
got the exact same message only with the phone number 206 905 9493 called that on my mobile it never connected no busy tone no ringing tone nothing...I just wanted to call and say 'bring it on if you are really the IRS they you already know my name and address and such.'
Rev. D. G
August 03, 2018
got same kind of call from 914-410-8452, and after called back, the lady said she is IRS collection department and ask my full name. I just ask her to check my phone and tell me the name with my phone number, the the phone has been disconnected.
Annoyedfromthe…
August 03, 2018
They are back!!!! Received calls and voicemails from (347)973-3688 today. Once again saying IRS and that I am being investigated etc! Please beware of scammers. When will it end!!!
Heartbroken
August 07, 2018
I just received a call in the last two days. A womans voice message legal matter lawsuit pending if i didnt call them back. Number was 347-609-0920 frustrating from baldwin new york.
CryBlue
August 09, 2018
Augusta 2018 I got a call from these scammers at this number (425) 409-9761 I'm going to throw a fit if they call again....they've already called twice
Ceasar
August 10, 2018
I received a call from 510-578-3741, from a recording of a man claiming to be agent Steve Parker
Deannaelizabeth
August 15, 2018
360.200.4645 and 805.556.4905 both called within the last two days with recording left on my voicemail stating I will be arrested if I do not pay fines immediately or within 24 hours. Hilarious!
John ward
August 15, 2018
Yes, I've heard of this but I got an actual call for the first time today from 315 510 5562. Same silliness. The IRS is threatening to sue me after several attempts to reach me. We all know by now (or are at least learning) that the IRS does not call that way. They contact us by mail. And the IRS is the IRS. They don't need to sue anyone!
Cat in the Hat
August 16, 2018
This is Ridiculous! Every day SCAM portraying IRS I am a disabled person and have nothing to do with the IRS
Bella
August 17, 2018
Same crap. Four “serious notifications against me and I’m going to be taken into custody by the local police once my 24-hour window expires”, yada yada. First part of the message was cut off so I didn’t hear who they were claiming to be, but it was a robotic message and pretty pathetic attempt at a scam. Call came from 1 (515) 379-6798 (Livermore, Iowa) with a callback number in the message of 1 (240) 245-5191. ~eye roll~
notusingmyemai…
August 23, 2018
I answered a call from 310-984-6587 stating that they were Officer Steve Parker & the recording did not say who they were trying to reach but did say that a lien has been filed against me & I have been reported for tax fraud and police will probably show up to arrest me. I called the IRS # 1-800-829-1040 & kept getting the run around with reroutes to various extensions. The IRS ultimately disconnected the call. I am disabled and have PTSD so these calls are triggers for me. Jesus take the wheel.
Quirky
September 09, 2019

In reply to by notusingmyemai…

I received a call from this same number. I didn’t answer it but I got a partial voicemail stating that they’d begin legal proceedings. Very frustrating
LDP3
August 31, 2018
I recently received a tax fraud voicemail similar to the one above but a little bit different . Definitely a scam ...and it came from 202-852-4176.
worried momma
September 11, 2018
Received this robo call (male voice): ...Officer William Parker calling you from the Department of Social Security Administration. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement .... filed on your social security number for criminal activities so when you get this message kindly revert as soon as possible on our number ie 210-666-9653
Illinois warning
September 11, 2018
Got a vm today from the following number: 510-686-7938, Oakland CA. Just an FYI to add to the list. *shaking my head*
kEITH776
September 11, 2018
I just received a call from +5106867938. Please investigate.
aka_lily
September 13, 2018
Ok I got a recorded call saying that that a warm hearts case has been activated for me and that I need to call them IRS,to resolve this case. The number is 706.201.0142. I am assuming this is a scam.
Not falling for it
September 17, 2018
Just got a call from a male with an indian accent. He told me that I have an IRS criminal case against me. He told me that I have to hire a criminal attorney. I told him I'll just wait for my arraignment and get public defender for free. He said that's not possible I must hire an attorney. I informed him that I am a police officer and yes it is. And I advised him that an agency will not call to advise you that you need to hire an attorney for a criminal case. He studdered alot and didnt know what to say. He said hes from D.C., but his call said it came from Texas. Dont fall for this crap!!
Anh Chau
September 18, 2018
Oh, they called me and told me that IRS is investigating my family because of the tax issues. And asked me to call back. So tired of many scam call.
Stressed4asecond
September 18, 2018
I received a phone call from the number 2232222234 (or something similar). “Mary” told me I owed on taxes betweeen 13-17. Since I take this serious, and she informed me there was a warrant being processed for my arrest, I was MORE than happy to figure this out. I was transferred to “Sean” (enter another thick accent that definitely was sketchy) in finance who let me know I can make a deposit as a gesture ensuring I wasn’t attempting to avoid things. *at this point I’m a little terrified because I really don’t want to go to prison* so I follow directions and drive to a store that carried “federal payment vouchers”. When I arrive in the parking lot, “Sean” informs me that I need to load a resicukous amount of money on to two GooglePlay cards. Before he finished his sentence I was looking up the number realizing what was happening. Grag way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I this helps in some way. These people are bold and don’t give a care.
AM81
September 19, 2018
9/19/18 @ 2:07pm est - received a call from 202-657-6910 robotic voice recording saying that the IRS is putting out a warrant for my arrest unless i call back the provided number within 24 hours. the robotic voice was SOOOOO bad that it couldn't correctly pronunciate the number 3 or 0 - so i couldn't tell if the call back number started as 233 or 203 or 230 or 200 . i never got the number to call back. but be warned that *** 202-657-6910 *** is a scam
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