Ways to tell if the IRS is reaching out or if it’s a scammer

Ways to tell if the IRS isreaching out or if it’s a scammer

Identity thieves can prey on anyone, at any time. Here’s somehelpful tips for taxpayers to know when it’s really the IRS or not. 

Email, text and social media

The IRS doesn’t make initial contact through email or socialmedia channels. Some common electronic scams thieves use are:

• Sending phishing emails to taxpayers
• Posing as an IRS social media     account to contact taxpayers about a fake bill or refund
• Texting taxpayers about fake     "tax credits" or "stimulus payments" 

These messages will often direct taxpayers to click fraudulentlinks they claim are IRS websites or other online tools. 

The IRS only sends text messages with the taxpayer’spermission and only collects the taxpayer’s cell phone number or email addressif they subscribe to receive messages from the agency. 

Letters and notices
A letter or notice is the first way the IRS will contact ataxpayer. There are a few ways a taxpayer can check to see if it's really theIRS:

• Log in to their secure IRS Online Account to see if     the letter or notice is in their file
• Review common IRS letters and     notices: Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter  
• Contact IRS customer service directly to     authenticate it
• Verify any collection notice from     a private collection agency has the     same Taxpayer Authentication Number as the Notice CP40 the taxpayer received     from the IRS.

Phone calls
IRS agents may call to confirm an appointment or discuss itemsfor a scheduled audit, after an initial letter or notice. Taxpayers shouldknow:

• The IRS doesn't leave pre-recorded,     urgent or threatening messages. Scammers will falsely tell victims if they     do not call back, a warrant will be issued for their arrest. 
• Private collection agencies     contracted by the IRS may call taxpayers to collect certain outstanding     inactive tax liabilities, but only after the taxpayer and their     representative have received written notice.
• The IRS and its authorized private     collection agencies will never ask a taxpayer to pay using any form of     pre-paid card, store or online gift card. Taxpayers can review the IRS     payments page at IRS.gov/payments for all legitimate     ways to make a payment.

In person visits
The IRS ended most unannounced visits to taxpayers by agency revenueofficersto improve overall safety for taxpayers and IRS employees.

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