Phone, email, or letter? Identifying modern IRS scams

This story was produced by Haley Crim and distributed by Next Net.

It is vital to identify IRS scams so you can protect yourself and your taxpayer information. IRS scams come in many forms, including phone calls, emails, letters, and more sophisticated and modern methods. 

In 2025, the IRS cited a staggering 12 types of scams to look out for concerning your personal and financial information. Coined "The Dirty Dozen," these scams range from simple to sophisticated, designed to target consumers in a variety of demographics. 

Knowing how to identify and report these types of scams is crucial for protecting your information and helping others in your life do the same. In this guide, we will break down some of the many types of IRS scams and how to avoid them. 

Phone Scams

An IRS phone scam can be difficult to spot for taxpayers who aren't familiar with the tactics used by fraudsters. Since phones are such a common medium, the elderly and other vulnerable demographics may be more susceptible to phone scams. 

If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be the IRS, pay attention to their tone and language. A legitimate IRS agent will never threaten you or demand immediate payment.

Fraudsters may also pressure you into transferring payments over the phone or even purchasing gift cards to satisfy an unpaid tax bill. They may also use fear tactics to pressure you into paying, such as threatening additional fines or even jail time. 

Pay attention to the voice on the other end; many companies now use AI to replicate human voices. Listen for giveaways such as repetitive speech patterns and odd phrasing. 

Email and Phishing Scams

Phishing typically involves sending an email posing as a legitimate authority, such as the IRS. When you receive a suspicious email, do the following: 

• Check the sender's email address; usually, scammers will have a series of random letters and numbers, rather than a legitimate address.  
• Do not open any email attachments or click on any links. 
• Use the internet to see if others have experienced similar scams, as these fraudsters usually try to target large groups of people. 
• Look for grammar or spelling errors within the body of the email, as well as urgent language that may try to pressure you to make a payment or give personal information. 
• Do not reply to any type of suspicious email. 

Letter Scams

Since the IRS uses paper mail as its primary contact method, it can be difficult to identify scam letters. If you receive a paper notice from the IRS, log in to your taxpayer account online to check for corresponding notices.

You can also contact the IRS directly to authenticate the communication. An IRS agent can verify whether they recently sent you any paper notices.

Sometimes, you may receive communication from third-party collection agencies if you have past overdue taxes. To verify legitimacy, ensure they have an identical Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) as the one you received from the IRS. 

Newer Trends in IRS Scams

Technological evolution has led to more sophisticated scams. Rather than only targeting taxpayers, scammers are now going after tax professionals as well. 

Fraudsters will now send users text messages from unknown numbers, claiming to be the IRS. These messages may contain phishing links. 

Since the majority of the population now uses social media, scammers utilize this tool by messaging taxpayers through social media or posting fraudulent info online to entice taxpayers to make payments or claim credits they aren't eligible to receive. 

How to Protect Yourself

When there are so many scams to look for, it may seem intimidating to think of how you can safeguard against fraudsters. Here are steps you can take when you receive suspicious communication:

• Consult an Attorney: Search for "tax lawyer near me" to find an attorney in your area who specializes in tax law. 
• Verify any money owed by contacting the IRS directly. 
• Never give any identifying information over the phone, through email, or via text message. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the IRS call you if you owe money? 

The IRS may attempt to contact you via phone after they have notified you in writing of unpaid taxes. After multiple failed attempts to reach you through phone calls, they may visit your residence in person. 

How do I make sure I don't owe the IRS? 

If you are concerned about a tax bill when you file your return, calculate your estimated taxes and make quarterly payments throughout the year. You can also have additional funds withheld from:

• Your paychecks
• Pension checks
• Social Security payments 

Use an online tax estimator tool or work with a certified public accountant (CPA) to determine how much to pay in estimated taxes during the year to avoid penalties when you file your taxes.

Does the IRS go after the elderly? 

Yes. The IRS can pursue the collection of unpaid taxes, no matter your age. However, there are many programs available to assist elderly taxpayers, such as: 

• Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: When the taxpayer cannot fulfill their tax obligations while also paying for expenses such as food, housing, and medicine. 
• Offer in Compromise: When a senior settles with the IRS for a certain amount to pay that is lower than their existing tax liability. 
• Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): An independent entity within the IRS that assists taxpayers with solving tax-related issues. 

How does the IRS usually contact you? 

Although the IRS may use multiple tactics to reach out to taxpayers, there is usually a process that they follow. Their initial contact method will almost always be mail; they will send you a letter for issues such as unpaid taxes or audits. 

If you receive any other type of communication from the IRS, exercise caution.  They will typically contact you through phone calls or visit you in person after they have sent you a notice by mail and received no response. 

Avoid These IRS Scams

Even the most knowledgeable taxpayers can fall victim to IRS scams. With this guide, you can exercise caution and vigilance when identifying tax fraud and avoiding refund scams. 

Learn more about managing your finances by exploring our website for advice and tips.

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