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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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IRS Impersonators
RoyS
September 26, 2016
Robo Call 786-732-5443 IRS is filing a lawsuit against you, call back urgently for information. (Scam)
Disturbed Consuumerr
September 26, 2016
I have gotten 3 calls from number 509-570-5123 , Washington area caller ID says IRS . Demanding I am having a lawsuit filed against me , to call back asap . Only problem , if the number goes through , it rings and rings , then cuts off . This is a scam .
Mark
September 28, 2016
Received a call from 1-855-288-0080 claiming they were with the IRS and a lawsuit was filed against me and then I or my attorney needed to call back immediately.
not a sucker
September 28, 2016
646-568-9928, 773-269-3236, 917-960-9333, 646-934-6051, 262-437-0693, 513-235-3595 All numbers from these jokers claiming to be the IRS. Rude people. Wouldn't let me talk to their supervisors, wouldn't tell me the address they sent all their letters to, hung up on me several times. Called me a liar because I told them I wasn't Samantha...on and on... I was beginning to enjoy calling them back and telling them to take my number off their list!
Jim
September 28, 2016
Received a phone call on Sept26,2016 at 10:49AM. BLUEPRINT 347-394-1511 on Caller-Id, claiming IRS has filed a lawsuit against me and to call them back. I knew immediately this is fake, but, searched online; saw this kind of call is being received in US for a year or longer. If people are reporting it, why is it still happening?
ewlaffey
September 28, 2016
I received this voicemail today from a TX number: 512-813-7298. What a bunch of jerks!
Sweetmommy07
September 30, 2016
(866) 255-2772 keeps calling me saying if u don't call us back you will be going to jail for tax fraud how do I stop this there is also a 202 number too at first It scared me to death but then I got to thinking they told me to verify my name and address if they was real Irs they would not have called they also would of said my address and asked if I still live there they had no info till I told them because I was scared I told them how can I pay without a job they said do u have anyone to help u get 200 dollars by 5pm I said no I have no one they said well ur going to have a Warrant for ur arrest then I got on the internet and went to irs.gov and it told me that it wasn't them thank god
citizenofus
October 03, 2016
The tell is that they say they are from Internal Revenue ServiceS, with an "S", so prob they cannot be prosecuted for coming off as THE IRS.
concerned citizen
October 04, 2016
I have been getting continuous call for the last month from a robo caller leaving a message that there is a lawsuit filed against me from the IRS and that a non-billable arrest warrant is issued under my name. So before they can move forward with the lawsuit and legal allegation, I need to contact them at 360-216-xxxx, which is a San Francisco Number. I know this is a scam and wanted to make others aware of this number. This is more annoying than anything. What a bunch of losers!
ruth
October 07, 2016
same call just a few minutes ago from alex walker phone number 626 544 9080. he didnt like it much when asked how much i can pay to take care of a 4, 570.00 dept that i was over paid in my income tax return back in 2009-2014, i didnt file taxes only but 2014, when i told him id give him 1 penny a month til it was payed off. he told me he was going to go ahead and file a lawsuit against me, i told him to go ahead but before he did i needed his address so i can have my lawyer contact him, he wouldnt give me the address, how funny is that, he also told me hed send me a letter to my address with the details i wouldnt give him my address since he wouldnt give me his. what a joke.
JadaBirdPTX
October 10, 2016
We've been receiving calls on our landline for months from these people. It's always a robot lady in the voice mail and this time she gave a 331 area code number. I'd LOVE to call them back, but, this may sound stupid, I'm afraid they will target us with anything from more calls to a real legal issue. I will keep posting updates if we receive more calls.
vwcrazy1
October 11, 2016
The IRS will only contact you by mail. Never by email, phone text or phone call.
Old Dog learns…
November 15, 2016
Just received an automated call. Did not answer it because it was not a known contact. But the automated voice (sounded like a regular man. No accent) said the following: "Hey there,this is officer Dan Miller of the Tax and Crime Investigation Dept. The reason for this call is to inform you that, at this point in time, your physical address is under investigation. There is also an arrest warrant issued under your name for a tax evasion case. For more information on this case file Just call 509-428-2494." I looked up the number but all I could find was that it was in Ritzville, WA. I really don't think the IRS or any officer would start off with "HEY THERE" in a super friendly way like they were a long lost friend. SCAM! Beware!
Gina
November 16, 2016
Nov.16,2016 At 12:14 p.m. today I received a call from 206-209-1648. This man left me a voice message telling me that there was a lawsuit filed against me by the Internal Revenue Service and a non-bailable arrest warrant had been issued under my name so before they could move on with the lawsuit and the legal allegations I needed to contact them as soon as possible I panicked for a second then Google this and it led me here. After reading all the above comments I feel more at ease. I am going to report this to the proper authorities.
Milly V
January 09, 2017
I just got a call from 844-747-0850 for the same thing plus a couple 305 area code numbers all for the same thing.
plummboss
January 13, 2017
415-805-7224 is the number I called back got an over sea's person which then I looked up the scam on this I got that exact video Voice Mail that the IRS has as a scam; but was called from the 415-805-7224. so watch out this time of year
AK
February 17, 2017
Received a call from 203 804 9000 on 17-Feb-2017 saying call from IRS and asking my attorney information to represent me on court. Person had American accent and was had kind of threatening tone. I knew it was a scam call and did not want to waste my time talking to him. I disconnected the call. Be aware of call from 203 804 9000.
Andalit
February 27, 2017
I received both a call and a text: WARNING:I.R.S is filing a lawsuit against you, for more information call on +1-2025808464 on urgent basis otherwise your arrest warrant will be forwarded to your local police department and your properties, social benefits and bank accounts will be frozen by the government.
RH
March 10, 2017
Adding another number to the "I'm investigating you for a lawsuit, I've sent mail to your house but you didn't get it": 678-536-4979. Indian accent, male, actual person (no robocall). I told him to send certified mail or a representative to serve me in person, and the fact that he was calling me told me it was a scam; he promptly hung up. I have filed a complaint with the FTC.
tejas
March 13, 2017
Same call from this number +1 (575) 305-9141.
Andmurphy
March 14, 2017
I received a call from 844-714-2530, It was a robot voice saying i was with holding information on my taxes and to call back or push a button to speak to someone.
Taxsmart
March 15, 2017
Got a call from a robot today on my cell phone saying they were the IRS and their is a fraud case against me (they left a voicemail). Called back and asked what their Agent number was and they did not hang up, just did not respond. Phone 314-379-0549
dreamteam23
March 17, 2017

I received a call from IRS Fraud Department on today & yesterday, March 16th & 17th, 2017. First, it was Ofc. Alice Johnson calling @ 1034 AM stating that there was fraud & misconduct on my tax which I am suppose to be hiding. I am to call the federal government this needs to be rectified immediately so do return the call as soon receive the message the number is (206)462-4216. Ofc. Johnson wasn't in so Ofc. Steven Williams ID.# GS08088 answered also, with an Eastern Indian accent or Asian.

Anonuhmus
March 20, 2017
I got this call today from 202-657-6559. Automated robo voicemail saying to call immediately. It freaked me out at first, then I realized that a.) the IRS communicates via mail, and b.) they didn't state my name - it was a generic message, and then realized it had to be a scam.
Tee
March 21, 2017
206-462-5040 Automated call claiming to be IRS to call them back at this number because of a possible lawsuit.
MW
March 27, 2017
Received a robotic call this morning from 404-566-8131 claiming a lawsuit from IRS.
moy_pim
March 27, 2017
with this Phone#(434)234-2983 A Scam from IRS arrest warrant has been issued for my arrest, if not payee soon call this#(434)234-2983 hello its a "SCAM" IN March 27, 2017
ugh
April 01, 2017
got a recorded message from a DEnnis saying he is calling about my IRS debt...since I have no debt I hung up and blocked him,,, Hate that they have my private number,,It was so upsetting...anyone else get a Dennis??? 213 area code los Angeles Ca
Callipso
April 04, 2017
This number keeps coming up and threatened minor my children this number 1 202. 864 7489 been calling 4 to 6 times a wk
Estrella 169
April 04, 2017
+1 (202) 864-7322 This # keeps calling & threading to come arrest me and are very aggressive !!!
elderly abuse
April 06, 2017
i just received call from 207 747 3872 moments ago. it was frightening i looked up the number it's a caller in maine. maine ags office said elderly folks are receiving calls from there saying they will be arrested if they don't send them money now they allege to be the irs... they said it's a scam
samsey
April 06, 2017
I just got a call from 832-702-7846 saying that I had a lawsuit against me for tax evasion. I requested everything in writing and said they would have a sheriff drop off the paperwork. They also mentioned I should get a criminal lawyer because there was a warrant for my arrest! The man had a very thick Indian accent.
wildwackywoman
April 08, 2017
On 04-08-2017 ... Received a call from the Internal Revenue Service ... 614-347-0354 ... Message was cut off ... but the last of the message was to call this number 614-347-0354 (Internal Revenue Service) Immediately ... I did not respond ... I am checking out the # first and checked with the White Pages and they said it was a SCAM -- Extortion
MarkFromHouston
April 12, 2017
Got a similar call from 305-417-6364. Sounded Southern Indian to me. From the background sound, sounds like a call room (could hear someone else giving their bogus 'badge number'. They knew my Name and Address and were claiming that I had numerical errors from 2011-2016 but were not really clear on what numbers per year. When I confronted him about being bogus - he swore at me and eventually hung up.
aelloyd
April 12, 2017
I received a call today from 214-306-5848. The caller said he was part of the IRS Crime Investigation Dept. and he told me my name and an address that I used to live at. When I told him that I no longer lived there, he asked for my current address, at which point I knew this had to be a fraud and hung up immediately. The IRS knows my address. The connection was poor, so I couldn't make out an accent or anything like that.
Tinytoon
April 19, 2017
I received a call today from this number 646-663-7172, New York. Said that they have a warrant of arrest for me for because of tax fraud. Stated I owe $6500. I was at work and was terrified that the police was coming to arrest me. I said, ok I'll pay it and settle out of court. He started telling me go to my bank and withdraw cash, make sure I bring my charger just in case we get disconnected. From that moment I knew it was a scam, I did research online and hang up. I reported it to TIGTA. They called me again and said if you don't call us in 10 mins, we will initiate the legal action against you. I'm about to report to FTC but their website is down at this time. So far no one has came to arrest me, thank God.
auntie
April 21, 2017
I received a call today from 908 219 8849. They claimed they were the IRS and either I or my attorney should contact them. I called local police and they told me it was a scam. I called them back and told them I reported them to the IRS and the FTC.
Oshaye16
April 26, 2017
I got a called from (346) 800-1421 from Houston Texas saying I have a arrest out for federal taxes. And I better have a lawyer. I have never filed taxes. I am disabled.
Denise
April 26, 2017
I have been receiving the same type of calls with similar numbers. They do have distinctly Indian or Pakistani accents. The last call was from a man that was very threatening. It was also after business hours. I am hanging up in the future and ignoring similar calls. Be aware.
Lmao
April 27, 2017
Haha I keep screwing with them and calling them back I have like 7 different phone numbers they keep hanging up on me I got cussed out and now I told him you've endured The Jerky Boys Zone
Sdmcw
April 29, 2017
It's happening again in 2017. These scammers robo called me from a CA number 323-886-0762.
Fed up
May 01, 2017
Called saying they were calling local police to have me arrested. I laughed. Her name is Rebecca Williams but we all know that's a fake name. Phone number left is: 810-201-6486
CA - Guy
May 01, 2017
Today, I received a phone call by a person trying to impersonate an IRS agent claiming the IRS is filling a lawsuit against me for tax evation. The number was weird. My caller ID shown this short number +1 (588) 4. The accent of this person sounded like those Indian guys who offer RX medication or some cruise price, etc. As soon as I heard that I hung up the phone and did not provide any information. They are just waiting for you to fall into their trap to steal from you.
RenoTaxPayer
May 04, 2017
Been getting the "We are the IRS and need information related to a lawsuit against you" phone calls. Phone number they call from is 1-404-400-4981
sickandtired
May 05, 2017
For some reason this year I have gotten several calls and even 1 text message from the IRS Impostors. I have blocked most of them, but they keep using different numbers and all of the phone calls were prerecorded (I don't answer, but they leave voicemails). That is up until today, as I just got another one and as usual they left a voicemail, but this one was an actual person who sounded like he was reading off of a script. The number this time was 703-291-1592 and is from Triangle. VA.
kk
May 05, 2017
I have received call from 914-499-8025 calming it from IRS
henkimic
May 10, 2017
Just now, got a message from 781-660-8637 saying the IRS has filed a lawsuit against us (name?) and we should call that number back immediately!
JAF
May 11, 2017
I received several calls today from 2 different #'s with a robot saying it was Officer Jonathan with the IRS and they were filing suit. It said if I did not call back then good luck (Robocop) LOL - 505-395-9156 and 413-252-2489 - SO ANNOYING.
gramslovebug
May 12, 2017
Got a call today May 12, 2017 stating that the Irs was filing a lawsuit against me, if I wanted more information from my file to call (952)314-5216. Yea right, they must think we are stupid.
IRS Scammer Alert
May 20, 2017
Really???? The IRS (laugh) called me on Saturday morning at 06:45 am to tell me that they have filed an arrest warrant from owing back taxes. The call came from 812-359-8572. I called the number back, and it sounds like a call room. Loud background noises, etc. I don't owe back taxes, and just called the real IRS last week, checking on my refund. 1-800-829-1040 is the real IRS number. Look out for frauds and scanner calls.
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