What it looks like
"This is Officer Daniel Brooks with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. A warrant has been issued for your arrest for unpaid taxes. Call 1-888-XXX-XXXX today to settle this before officers arrive."
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
The call often starts with a recorded message saying a lawsuit or warrant has been filed against you for unpaid taxes. When you call back, a person gives a name and a badge number and says you owe back taxes. Caller ID may show 'IRS' or a Washington, D.C. number, because caller ID is easy to fake. Some texts and emails promise a refund instead, and link to a page that asks for your Social Security number and bank details.
If you sound worried, the pressure goes up. The caller says officers are on the way or that you could lose your license, unless you pay right now. They want a gift card, a prepaid debit card, a wire transfer or cryptocurrency. Some keep you on the phone while you drive to the store so you cannot stop and check.
It works because almost everyone worries a little about taxes, and the caller sounds official. The real IRS usually starts with a letter in the mail. It does not call to demand immediate payment by gift card or any other specific method, does not threaten to bring in police to arrest you, and gives you a chance to question or appeal what you owe.
Signs it is fake
- A threat of arrest, deportation, or losing your driver's license
- A demand to pay right now by gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency
- A first contact by phone, text, email or social media about money you owe. The IRS usually starts with a letter in the mail.
- No chance to ask questions or appeal the amount
What to do
- Hang up. Do not call back the number they gave you.
- To see whether you really owe anything, sign in to your IRS online account at irs.gov, or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
- If a real tax bill is due, pay it only through irs.gov or by check made out to the U.S. Treasury.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- If you paid with gift cards, call the card company right away. If you paid by wire or bank transfer, call your bank.
- Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you shared your Social Security number, go to identitytheft.gov for a recovery plan.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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