Don't Let Them Win! A Comprehensive Guide to Reporting IRS Scammers
Have you ever received a suspicious call, email, or text message claiming to be from the IRS? Did your heart skip a beat, wondering if you owed money or if your identity was at risk? You're not alone! IRS scams are rampant, preying on people's fear and lack of knowledge. But here's the good news: you can fight back! Reporting these scammers is crucial not only for your own protection but also to help prevent others from falling victim.
This extensive guide will walk you through every single step of reporting an IRS scammer, empowering you to take decisive action. We'll cover various types of scams and the specific procedures for each, ensuring you have all the information you need.
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| How To Report A Irs Scammer |
Step 1: Immediately Recognize the Red Flags (Before You Do Anything Else!)
Before you even think about reporting, the most vital step is to identify if you're dealing with a scam in the first place. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to manipulate you. The IRS will not typically do the following:
- Demand immediate payment using specific methods like prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers.
- Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement
to have you arrested for not paying. - Demand that taxes be paid without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
- Call unexpectedly about a tax refund
you weren't expecting. - Initiate contact with you by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. This includes asking for PIN numbers, passwords, or similar access information for credit cards, banks, or other financial accounts.
- Leave prerecorded voicemails (robocalls).
Key takeaway: The IRS generally initiates contact by mail (physical letters) first. If you receive an unexpected call, email, or text claiming to be from the IRS, it's highly likely to be a scam. Always verify the authenticity of any communication you receive.
Step 2: Gather All the Evidence (The More, The Better!)
Once you suspect a scam, do not engage further with the scammer. Instead, shift your focus to collecting as much information as possible. This evidence will be vital for your report.
2.1: Information from Phone Scams
If you receive a suspicious phone call:
- Do not give them any personal or financial information.
- Hang up immediately.
- Note the caller's phone number. If you have caller ID, write it down.
- Record the date and time of the call.
- Briefly describe what the scammer said. What was their demand? What threats did they make?
- Were you instructed to call them back? If so, note the number they provided.
2.2: Information from Email (Phishing) Scams
If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from the IRS:
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
- Do NOT click on any links within the email.
- Do NOT open any attachments. These can contain malicious code.
- Do NOT reply to the email.
- Forward the entire email as-is to phishing@irs.gov. Do not forward screenshots or scanned images, as this removes valuable information (the email headers).
- Note the subject line of the email.
- Delete the original email after forwarding it.
2.3: Information from Text Message (Smishing) Scams
If you receive a suspicious text message:
- Do NOT click on any links.
- Do NOT reply to the message.
- Report the message to 7726 (SPAM). This number is a standard for reporting spam texts.
- Forward the message as-is to phishing@irs.gov. Include both the caller ID (phone number) and the message body in your email. If you can't copy the text, take a screenshot and forward it.
- Delete the original text after forwarding it.
2.4: Information from Mail Scams (Fake Letters/Notices)
While less common, scammers may send fake letters.
- Keep the original letter, including the envelope.
- Note any return address or strange markings.
- Identify any demands or threats made in the letter.
- Compare the letter to legitimate IRS notices (you can often find examples on IRS.gov). The IRS will provide a specific phone number or instruction on how to respond to legitimate letters.
Step 3: Report the Scam to the Right Authorities
Reporting is a multi-pronged approach to ensure your complaint reaches the relevant agencies.
3.1: Report to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
TIGTA is specifically responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse within the IRS. This is your primary reporting channel for IRS imposter scams.
- Online: Visit the TIGTA website: www.tigta.gov. Look for a section like "Report Suspected Tax Fraud" or "IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting." This is often the most efficient method.
- By Phone: Call the TIGTA Hotline at 1-800-366-4484.
- By Mail: You can mail a detailed letter with all the information you gathered to:
- Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
- P.O. Box 589
- Washington, D.C. 20044-0589
When reporting to TIGTA, be sure to include:
- Your name and contact information (optional, but helpful for follow-up).
- The date and time the scam occurred.
- The nature of the scam (phone, email, text, mail).
- Any phone numbers the scammer used or asked you to call.
- Any email addresses the scammer used.
- A detailed description of the scammer's demands, threats, or claims.
- Whether you provided any personal information or lost money. If so, specify what information was shared and how much money was lost, and the method of payment.
3.2: Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC collects information about identity theft, fraud, and other consumer complaints. They work to shut down scams and provide resources for victims.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
- Online: Use the FTC Complaint Assistant at FTC.gov/complaint. When prompted, select "Other" and then "Imposter Scams" or "Government Imposter Scams." In the notes section, be sure to add "IRS Phone Scam" or "IRS Email Scam."
- By Phone: Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). TTY users can call 1-866-653-4261.
Providing information to the FTC helps them track trends and warn the public about emerging scams.
3.3: Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
If the scam involved the internet (email, fake websites, online messaging), report it to the IC3, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).
- Online: Visit www.ic3.gov. Click on "File a Complaint" and follow the instructions.
This is particularly important if you clicked on a link or entered personal information on a fake website.
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3.4: Report to the IRS (For Phishing and Certain Other Scams)
While TIGTA is the primary enforcer for IRS impersonation scams, the IRS also has specific channels for reporting certain types of fraud.
- For Phishing Emails/Texts: As mentioned in Step 2, forward the entire suspicious email or text message (with full headers) to phishing@irs.gov.
- For General Tax Fraud (e.g., someone else filing a fraudulent return):
- If you believe someone has used your Social Security Number (SSN) to file a tax return, immediately call the number on any notice you receive from the IRS. You may also need to complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
- To report suspected tax law violations by an individual or business (e.g., unreported income, false deductions), you can use Form 3949-A, Information Referral. This form can be filled out online and mailed.
- To report a tax preparer who filed a fraudulent return, use Form 14157, Return Preparer Complaint. If they filed or altered your return without your consent and you want a change made to your tax account, also use Form 14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit.
Step 4: What to Do If You've Fallen Victim (Act Quickly!)
If you've unfortunately provided personal information or, even worse, lost money to an IRS scammer, immediate action is crucial.
4.1: If You Gave Out Personal Information
- Monitor your financial accounts closely. Check your bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports regularly for any unauthorized activity.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit report. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert.
This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. - Equifax: 1-888-EQUIFAX (1-888-378-4329) or
www.equifax.com - Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742) or
www.experian.com - TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or
www.transunion.com
- Equifax: 1-888-EQUIFAX (1-888-378-4329) or
- Consider freezing your credit. A credit freeze offers stronger protection by preventing anyone from accessing your credit report to open new accounts. You'll need to contact each credit bureau separately.
- Report identity theft to the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.
- Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit: If you believe your SSN has been compromised for tax purposes, call 1-800-908-4490. They can place a flag on your account and help you obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for future filings.
4.2: If You Lost Money
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately. If you sent money via wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card, contact the issuing company and your bank to see if the funds can be recovered or the transaction stopped. Act fast, as recovery is often difficult.
- File a police report. While local police may not directly investigate IRS scams, having a police report can be helpful for various purposes, including disputing fraudulent charges or providing documentation for other agencies.
- Keep detailed records of all communications, transactions, and actions taken.
Step 5: Stay Vigilant and Educate Yourself
The best defense against IRS scams is prevention.
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
5.1: Educate Yourself on Common Scams
- Visit the IRS website regularly: The IRS provides up-to-date information on current scams and how to recognize them. Look for the "Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts" section.
- Understand IRS communication methods: The IRS will generally send you a letter before calling or visiting. They will not demand immediate payment via specific methods or threaten arrest.
- Be skeptical of unexpected contacts: If something feels off, it probably is.
5.2: Protect Your Personal Information
- Be cautious about sharing your SSN and other personal data. Only provide it when absolutely necessary and to trusted entities.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, especially for financial and tax-related services.
- Be wary of public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive information.
- Shred documents with personal information before discarding them.
Step 6: Help Others by Spreading Awareness
Once you're informed, share your knowledge!
- Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about IRS scams and how to report them.
- Share information from official IRS and TIGTA sources on social media or in community groups.
- Report any new or unusual scams you encounter to the proper authorities. Your report could be the missing piece in a larger investigation.
By following these steps, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to a safer environment for everyone. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to combating these fraudulent schemes.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to identify an IRS phone scam?
An IRS phone scam typically involves a caller demanding immediate payment, threatening arrest or legal action, and insisting on specific payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS will never demand immediate payment without giving you a chance to question or appeal, nor will they threaten to involve local police for non-payment.
How to report an IRS email phishing scam?
Forward the entire suspicious email (including full headers) to phishing@irs.gov. Do not click on any links or open attachments. After forwarding, delete the original email.
How to report an IRS text message (smishing) scam?
Forward the suspicious text message to 7726 (SPAM) and also to phishing@irs.gov. Be sure to include both the caller ID (phone number) and the message body in your email. Then, delete the original text.
How to find out if a letter from the IRS is legitimate?
Legitimate IRS letters will have an official IRS seal, provide specific reasons for contact, and typically offer options for appeal or further information. You can often verify the authenticity of an IRS notice by searching for the notice number on IRS.gov or by calling the general IRS line (1-800-829-1040) after verifying the number on IRS.gov.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
How to report an IRS scam if I lost money?
Immediately contact your bank or financial institution to try and stop the transaction. Then, report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 or tigta.gov, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at FTC.gov/complaint, and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Also, file a police report.
How to protect myself from future IRS scams?
Stay informed about current scams by checking IRS.gov, be skeptical of unexpected communications claiming to be from the IRS, never give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and verified the recipient, and use strong passwords for online accounts.
How to report identity theft related to IRS tax issues?
If your Social Security Number (SSN) has been used fraudulently for tax purposes, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 and consider filing Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Also, report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
How to report an abusive tax preparer?
You can report a tax preparer who filed a fraudulent return or engaged in misconduct by completing and mailing Form 14157, Return Preparer Complaint. If they filed or altered your return without your consent, also submit Form 14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit.
How to check if a call is genuinely from the IRS?
The IRS generally does not initiate contact by phone without first sending a letter. If you receive an unexpected call, hang up. If you are unsure whether you owe taxes or need to verify a legitimate IRS contact, call the official IRS phone number, 1-800-829-1040, which you can find on the IRS website (IRS.gov).
How to find more information about IRS scams and consumer alerts?
Visit the official IRS website, IRS.gov, and look for the "Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts" section. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) website (tigta.gov) also provides valuable information and alerts about ongoing IRS impersonation scams.
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