IRS impersonation

What it looks like

Example scam message

“This is the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. A warrant has been prepared in your name for tax fraud. To stop enforcement action today, call [phone number] immediately.”

Details like names, amounts, and links change — the pattern stays the same.

Red flags to watch for

• ⚠Threats of arrest, a lawsuit, or deportation if you do not pay immediately.
• ⚠Demands for payment by gift card, prepaid card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
• ⚠A call, text, or email about taxes with no letter from the IRS first.
• ⚠The caller will not let you hang up and check for yourself.

What to do

1. Hang up. The IRS does not call people to threaten arrest.
2. If you are worried about your taxes, check your account or find the official phone number at IRS.gov — type the address yourself.
3. Never pay a tax bill with gift cards or wire transfers.
4. Forward scam emails that claim to be the IRS to phishing@irs.gov.

Where to report it

• •ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• •IC3.gov
• •phishing@irs.gov (forward IRS scam emails)

Related scams

• Social Security suspension callA robocall or live caller says your Social Security number has been 'suspended' because of suspicious activity, and that you must confirm your number or move your savings to keep them safe.
• Medicare card and enrollment callsCallers claim to be from Medicare offering a 'new card,' a plan upgrade, or free medical equipment or genetic testing — they just need to 'verify' your Medicare number.
• Jury duty warrant callA caller claiming to be a sheriff's deputy or court officer says you missed jury duty and there is a warrant for your arrest — but you can clear it right now by paying a fine over the phone, usually with gift cards or a prepaid card.

ShieldGuard provides informational guidance to help you spot likely scams. It is not legal or financial advice and not a guarantee — no tool catches every scam. When money is involved, slow down and talk to someone you trust before acting.