With Tax Day less than a month away, the IRS is warning taxpayers that impersonating phone scams are increasing as the deadline nears. There are many different types of phone scams, and they generally work as follows: 

• Scammers impersonating the IRS call taxpayers telling them they owe taxes and face arrest if they don’t pay. 
• The scammer may leave a message asking taxpayers to call back to clear up a tax matter or face arrest. 
• When taxpayers call back, the scammers often use threatening and hostile language. 
• The thief demands that the taxpayers pay their tax debts with a gift card, other pre-paid cards or a wire transfer. 

Keep in mind, the IRS will never: 

• Call taxpayers demanding immediate payment using a specific payment method. Generally, the IRS first mails a bill to the taxpayer. 
• Threaten to have taxpayers arrested for not paying taxes. 
• Demand payment without giving taxpayers an opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed. 

If you do receive a call from a suspected scammer, you should: 

• Hang up the phone immediately. 
• Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484. 
• Report the number to [email protected]; put “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line. 

Click here to watch a short video from the IRS on this topic.