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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.

Buck
August 28, 2015
The robocall started its pitch before my voicemail picked up so we got only part of the message. Here is the text of the message that was left: "Against you. To get more information about this case file. Please call immediately on our department number 202-864-1183. I repeat 202-864-1183. Thank you." Google searches on the phone number and portions of the text of the message indicate this is an IRS Impersonation scam (corroborated here in this forum).
Marie
August 31, 2015
I have gotten 2 calls threatening an IRS lawsuit from 206-201-0745.
Smart American
August 31, 2015
I heard these people are in India but they have a way of showing a U S telephone number. They are losers who can't find a job in India. They will keep trying. They're English is terrible. They called me when I wasn"t home and had the nerve to leave their telephone number. I called my local police and they told me to call the Attorney General and report them. When I did, they said they had 300 complaints.
Wisconsin Badgers
September 02, 2015
Got home from vacation and had 2 calls on the answering machine saying the IRS had a lawsuit against us. This scam is really getting around!
Tiggy
September 03, 2015
I've been getting the same kind of calls except the number is 914-613-3789 from Yonkers,NY. This was the third call. I also reported them to FTC. Does it ever end?
uh please
September 04, 2015
i just got the same call but the number came up unavailable out of area
timothy brown cpa
September 08, 2015
Another client got a scam call today from Spokane WA #509-315-1189.
JM
September 08, 2015
Received a call today (9/8/15) from 885-500-6027 with the exact voice mail as listed on this page. Caller ID said the call was from Oak View, CA
mew
September 09, 2015
Recieved 6 robot calls in one day...all from "irs" scammers. All from different numbers. The first call I laughed at but after receiving 5 more calls....am pissed. I am blocking the numbers as they come it but this is getting stupid.
Noteasilyfooled
September 09, 2015
I have received 3 phone calls from 773 786 9431 in the past couple of days saying that I owe the IRS and they are planning to file tax evasion charges against me. They have contacted me from different numbers over the past several months. Last week they left a message on my landline, today they left a voicemail. When is this going to stop?
ALB
September 10, 2015
Got a call yesterday from someone called Rita Harrison (323) 292 9417 claiming to be an IRS lawyer. This was followed by a call from Valeria Tovar (805) 308 1040 also claiming to be IRS. They said IRS had sent two letters I never responded to (not true) and I had to make an immediate payment or they would cancel my social security number. They made multiple threats and told me to not tell my accountant.
Cara
September 12, 2015
Nikky JOhnson called me on Sat. morning. 415 483-4562 You know a Govt. employee who works on weekends? Fat chance. These human garbage people costed me an hr, of my time, reporting this scam to this website and that website.
USMC "Gunny"
September 14, 2015
Got a recorded phone call today; Area Code 509 592 4776, male voice stating there was a lawsuit against me and to call the above mentioned Phone number for further information, failure to comply with this phone call could lead to your arrest.
Pratik143
September 14, 2015
I got call from 911 first as police named brian. He threatened me and forwarded the call to 800-555-4477 to inform my irs violation codecs and when I let talk to my friend she hung up.
DandJ
September 14, 2015
We are senior citizens and the call we received, they said the IRS, is very disturbing. We are very pleased with the lady that responded to our concern. She was very pleasant and indicated that the IRS would not contact on in such a fashion. We thank her for the coments............
boss hogg
September 15, 2015
i live in tx and just got a call from a Chicago il number. the person said I made a mistake on my taxes and that the irs was going to sue me. and I can't get a PERSON on the line to confirm or deny at the irs. (surpise) well the number I was called from was 312-262-0496. just another reason the irs is loved SO much.
FTC Staff
September 16, 2015

In reply to by boss hogg

If the IRS needs to contact you, it will send a letter first.

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.

Please report the call to the FTC and to TIGTA (the Treasury Inspector General, which investigates these scams). Please include the phone number the call came from, and other details you have.

Phyllis
September 15, 2015
Just got a call from 360-362-4581 Said I owed from tax years 2010/2011 had sent me numerous letters and I had not responded. Caller had thick Indian accent - when I was skeptical said he would transfer me to his supervisor and if I disconnected the call I would be immediately ARRESTED!! Out of curiosity waited for the supervisor and asked them to mail me a copy of the letter with details of what I owed. Said they could not mail me but could sent electronically - told me that I could not repeat any of the conversation ...more threats...lawsuits arrests etc. Terminated conversation and found this website.
FTC Staff
September 16, 2015

In reply to by Phyllis

If the IRS needs to contact you, it will send a letter first.

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.

Please report the call to the FTC and to TIGTA (the Treasury Inspector General, which investigates these scams). Please include the phone number the call came from, and other details you have.

ash16614
September 16, 2015
First I got a phone message from a Annie Johnson from the Department of Legal Affairs that she was trying to each me in regards to a enforcement action have been started against your name my number is 347-321-8040 again my number is 347-321-8040 you are free to call back but I would suggest you have your attorney call to do it for you. You calling us may end up into a legal mess for you I hope will take this right and call me back. This is Ann Johnson with the Department of Legal Affairs. Looking forward to speaking to you until then have a blessed day and goodbye. So scared to death I called the number back at first when I did all back they acted courteous and I spoke with a man for it (not sure of his name) He did say that he was from the Dept. of Legal Affairs / US Treasury and he asked that if I was aware of getting three notifications in the mail (certified mail) the mailer left sticky notes because no one was home to receive them and since I did not go to the post office to pick them up it looked as if I was trying to run off or not pay it. He said that it was a "CP53 Notice" by the IRS informing me that in 2012 the federal taxes were not filed correctly and therefore I did not pay them correctly. He also said that they were not paid on time as well. The failure to call or get the letters or even hanging up on the call that we were having would go as avoidance and therefore he would immediately dispatch the police to my house. Since I supposedly did not pay or get the letters he said that there was a nonbillable warrant out for my arrest. He gave me the option to serve 6-15 months in jail or to try and pay/ get an attorney. He threatened that all m bank accounts, credit cards, etc would be frozen and that they may take m house away if it was on lien. He also stated that if I did the jail time that I would not be able to work seven years after I was released because Kentucky has a zero tolerance. He also said not to share the matter with anyone at all because it would be a federal crime. The said that since I was willing to work it out and not do the jail time that he was going to transfer me a "inspector" to work with me to get it resolved. The inspectors name was "Jack Conway" was courteous at first, went over the same basic things as the previous person had and also said that the warrant was still on hold at the moment. Then he got very rude when he thought that I was talking to someone else and actually hung up on me. Before he hung up though he said that was not taking the matter seriously and therefore he was dispatching the police to my home so that I could go to jail for 6 months.
FTC Staff
September 16, 2015

In reply to by ash16614

Thank you for sharing your story and all these details.

Please go to ftc.gov/report and file a complaint and add this information to the database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Blog comments don't go into the database.

 

VickiB
September 16, 2015
I received a phone call from the "IRS." The phone number was 509-383-4372. I called and they answered, "IRS, how may I help you?" I hung up. This is infuriating. I am so tired of scammers. I got rid of my home phone because of calls I didn't want.
LotsofLaughs
September 16, 2015
I just received one from 347 321 8018. He put me on hold for a minute and I just hung up.
Bob
September 17, 2015
Have received 4 of the "Internal Revenue Services ....going to sue you" variety of calls over the last few months in addition to other scam calls in the past. BEST ADVICE I can offer is DO NOT, under any circumstances, call them back. By doing so, you have given them your actual number (unless it is restricted) from which they can ascertain your name and address using a reverse telephone directory or various computer apps. Once they have those, a whole wealth of info can be gathered allowing them to add more credibility to their threats. My personal rule is: If I don't recognize the caller, I just hang up. If they truly have an issue with you. let them put it in writing. I don't pay for phone service to benefit anyone but myself.
mikeymikernbsnusa
September 17, 2015
Add (347)903-7914 to your IRS robocalling lawsuit scam.
Rcrum002
September 18, 2015
Received 2 calls today less than an hour apart from 773-312-5053, stating I needed to call them to discuss an IRS lawsuit before I was arrested. Obviously a scam - just wanted to pass along the number. Is there a number I should call to report this suspicious activity?
jean
September 20, 2015
I keep getting threatening calls saying they're from the irs with a 800-215-2217 number, has anyone else gotten that number?
KRISSY
September 21, 2015
got a call at my office phone line. I use my nick name at work, so that is what they called me, not my LEGAL name. A huge clue that it was not a legitimate IRS legal case. Mr "Martin" (with an Indian accent....)advised me that a legal lawsuit has been filed against me and gave me a case number.It was very upsetting at first, but I felt something was just not right about his call. When I asked him to tell me my LEGAL name, he just asked me to repeat my case number. I asked for his phone number and hung up on him. The phone number is 509-454-5675, which is a recorded voice mail message, very lengthy, pretends to be the real IRS. Sickening that these scammers are permitted to frighten and take advantage of people. Thanks to everyone posting very helpful information.
JD
September 23, 2015
Same as many others - recorded message (woman's voice, American accent) supposedly from IRS threatening arrest/lawsuit. This one from 713-701-5428.
Really?!?
September 24, 2015
Got a voicemail saying IRS has a claim against me. Just deleted the voicemail!
cazart.show@aol.com
September 24, 2015
I was contacted on my home phone today by the "IRS" I recorded the call and asked for his name. He told me there was a warrant out for my arrest and the police would be their in 45 minutes, he read to me the "charges against me" and said was not to interrupt while he spoke and I was not to interrupt. so kept recording and I have the phone number he didn't ask for payment. but just said the police would be there in 45 minutes. Very rude! and all lies!
anony
September 24, 2015
Does anyone ever actually DO anything when these are reported? Just got a lawsuit threat claiming they were the IRS - phone number 914.610.4185. I have reported it but - what's the use - never hear of anything being done about it. Guess this is what we pay our government for! I think I will call them from a cell phone I no longer use - and tell them I am the IRS investigating their recent calls - in fact, I'm just down the block from them right now since I have their location. The next phone call to ANYONE from that number will be responded to with the real law. Seems like it would get more action than reporting it.
GotYa
September 25, 2015
Yup, i just returned my computer recorded "Filing a Law Suit" call from the IRS to (646)453-6293. Confusion, then concern,to a "wth" momment to LOL!!! I "bagged" the 2nd guy after I got an "amature" response from my 1st call! 5 minutes of my life I'll never get back but it made me smile! A little payback for all the people these idiots upset!!!
JZinDetroit
September 25, 2015
Just got that call at 12:36 EST Friday, 9/25 from Pullman, WA 509-872-5238
Frustrated wit…
September 28, 2015
Add 804-212-2130 to the list...and the hits just keep coming.
WENEEDTODOSOMETHING
September 28, 2015
Got a call today from 347-619-3207 claiming they're from the IRS in NY and that there is a warrant out for my arrest for falsifying taxes for several years. They asked if I paid or received any money from overseas? They were having the police come to my house in 30-45 minutes for my arrest. I asked them what police department, they gave me the wrong address. Something needs to be done to these folks. Seriously all the background calls was priceless.
Bob
September 28, 2015
got three today with a +509 area code and it said Haiti under the phone number...didn't answer...message said IRS please call
Momofthree
September 29, 2015
I got one from 1-253-843-6191
Larry S
September 30, 2015
Buy a whistle and blow it into the phone. This stopped the calls.
Arthus
October 01, 2015
watch 347-491-4155. Registered as cell by Verizon wireless, coming from Bronx NY. Reported to Verizon, they will forward to their investigation department. Also, left info with IRS DC. Blocked number. DO NOT give out any info. By the way - if the cell calling is one of those one can buy in store...nothing can be done says Verizon.
greek
October 01, 2015
So how do you know that the irs is actually after you? Because alot of these sites say that they as well will and you certified letters.. got call today.
RCG
October 02, 2015
They are using new number and automated anoucememt that IRS filed a law suit against you :( Just got a call from 509-252-0869 Spokane, Washington few minutes ago. It is so sad that they can not be stopped. I know most of us know it is a scam and hang up without following up but many elderly people had money taken by these criminals! The IRS scam and the Windows technical support seem to be the most frequent ones. I get several of these calls a month. The only reason I even answer is that I am a business owner so I can not really afford to ignore unknown numbers :(
sgtgarci
October 02, 2015
calls from 202 239 1458 and 202 864 1311 and last one 512 879 6515 asking to pay or a lawsuit, jail, etc. The last number had an ID by name of Jean Renold, all calls same as the comments posted here by many others.
lol
October 02, 2015
I got a call from (310)707 6317 and they said I was trying to do fraud against the gov. After I hung up with them i tried calling them again but is said their phone line couldn't be reached.
mousefeathers
October 06, 2015
I got a call today demanding tax money owed to the IRS. He had an India accent. When I scoffed at the guy and wouldn't give out my real information. He actually asked me to have PHONE SEX with him. What a sick pig. I told him how depraved he was, He said he was on his way over to my house. It was kind of scarry I wish something could be done with these people.
peggy
October 08, 2015
they're still at it… 253-590-4817 recorded message, female voice, last call from the irs (the irs has never called…or written) and if i don't call back they're going to sue me. i don't answer numbers i don't know and i don't call back scamming idiots.
stupid IRS scam!
October 08, 2015
Watch out for 347 area code. Received two calls from different 347 numbers within couple of months and knew right away it was IRS scam. This time the number is 347-746-0941 and when I called back and right away started telling them that they better stop harassing me and that my husband works for INTERPOL (due to their accents, figured this will hopefully scare them possibly), no this little low-life woman was taunting saying "oh she is scared" and "how do you even spell INTERPOL, do you know?). Unbelievable, that humans like this exist. Do not give any of your information away and I wish DO NOT CALL lists would block these numbers from calling me since I definitely have been signed up on it for a while... I wish someone could catch these vultures!
dimetal
October 08, 2015
Have received the same IRS file a lawsuit call 3 times in the last two days from 509-560-4463. Since I don't recognize the caller ID i just let it go to voicemail and it records the entire message so I think it is recorded robocall. Will report to FTC.
Denise
October 09, 2015
I just received an email about this scam the other day & received the call today (heavy accent). I hung up & they called right back & informed me I hung up on them & I said 'I know I did' He asked me why would I do that to the IRS & I informed him because its a scam & he wanted to know how I can even say that & I told him easy & then he muttered something under his breathe & I hung up again. So far no call back.