We have become aware of a number of phishing scams where the caller or the email sender claims to be from the IRS. These scammers employ various techniques to threaten taxpayers that they are arrested by the IRS, proceed to request them to pay a fine, and inquire them about personal information. There are also links in some phishing emails that would solicit personal information from the recipients.

As your personal tax advisor, we would like to make you aware that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or phone to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.

If you receive a suspicious IRS-related communication:

  • do not reply
  • do not open any attachments
  • do not click on any links
  • forward the email as-is to phishing@irs.gov
  • After you forward the email to the IRS, delete the original email you received.

If you receive a phone call or paper letter via mail from an individual claiming to be the IRS but you suspect they are not an IRS employee:

  • ask for a call back number and employee badge number
  • email the IRS at phishing@irs.gov to determine if the caller is an IRS employee with a legitimate need to contact you

All unsolicited email claiming to be from either the IRS or any other IRS-related components such as the Office of Professional Responsibility or EFTPS, should be reported to phishing@irs.gov.  If you have experienced monetary losses due to an IRS-related incident please file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through their Complaint Assistant to make that information available to investigators.