The most important detail to remember is that the IRS will almost always begin communication with a letter or notice sent by mail; they will never contact you by email or text or through social media.
For this reason, if you receive an electronic message requesting your Social Security number, bank details or payment information, it is likely a scam. Messages that offer refunds, threaten legal action or state that a warrant will be issued for your arrest are similarly suspicious. Don’t click on links, open attachments or reply. Instead, forward the message to phishing@irs.gov, then delete it.
If you’re unsure whether a message is real, the best way to check involves a bit of web legwork. Log in to your secure IRS online account to see if the communication is listed there. You can also check examples of official notices by visiting the IRS’ “Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter” page, or you can call the IRS directly to confirm.
There are limited situations where the IRS or a contractor may call you. If you’re already involved in an audit, for example, you might receive a follow-up phone call, but this will happen only after a letter has been sent. Similarly, a private debt collection agency may contact you, but only after both you and your representative have received written notice.
The IRS will never ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or other unusual methods. You can always double-check the correct way to pay your taxes at IRS.gov/payments.
In the past, IRS agents sometimes made unannounced visits to a taxpayer’s residence. That practice has ended for the safety of both taxpayers and government employees.
If you suspect fraud, stay calm and don’t respond. Instead, report it using the IRS’ identity protection resources.
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