A threatening notification from the IRS can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s a staple in the scammer’s toolkit. They want you to be scared and not take time to think.

Common IRS tax scams

These often start with a call from someone posing as an IRS agent. They can go a few ways:

In one popular scam, the fake agent says you owe back taxes and pressures you into paying with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer from your bank account. If you question them or refuse, they threaten you with an arrest and fine.

In another scam, the fake agent says they’re issuing you a tax refund and need you to verify your personal information to process it. They might want anything from routing numbers on your bank accounts to social security numbers to work information. But instead of a refund, they steal your identity.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), these sophisticated imposters appear very real. They may give a fake badge number and name. Your caller ID may display a Washington, D.C., phone number. Long-range cons sometimes follow up scam calls with an email using the IRS logo, colors, and official-sounding language.

Another con is the “ghost preparer” swindle. These fraudsters pose as legitimate tax preparers offering to do your taxes, fix a problem or get you better returns. These offers are usually unsolicited emails, calls or texts. Once you give them your personal documents and information, they disappear with your identity and your tax return.

Breaking down the scam and spotting red flags

Fraudsters push you to act before you can think. They want you emotional, so your reasoning skills are compromised. For example, paying them using a wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card prevents you from tracing or reversing the transaction. Banks and retailers won’t reimburse your funds since you authorized the transfer.

Other phishing scams try to bait you with an email asking you to update your IRS e-file immediately. The links may look official when you scan the email, like USAgov and IRSgov. Notice there’s no dot between “IRS” and “gov.” These are not from the IRS, and neither are the websites they take you to. Inspect your email links before you click.

If you get messages offering tax preparation services, do your homework. Legitimate tax professionals have an IRS preparer tax identification number (PTIN). It means they’re authorized to prepare federal tax returns. Verify the preparer’s PTIN at the IRS website’s directory of federal tax return preparers with credentials and qualifications. Most preparers use secure portals to upload documents and have an office where you can drop off documents. They allow you to ask questions. If you're being pressured to use text-only communication or links they provide you, it's a red flag.

Even if you think a link is legitimate, open your browser and type the web address instead of clicking. There’s no harm in being cautious.

Ways the IRS communicates with people

According to the IRS, they’ll contact you the first time by regular U.S. mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

Additional letters might come from private collection agencies contracted by the IRS. This only happens after you have received letters from the IRS. Check the IRS website to verify before responding.

IRS debt collectors are required to treat you with professionalism, dignity and respect. If they threaten or swear at you, hang up. It’s likely a scam.

Privately contracted collection agencies cannot take your payment over the phone. You can check your account payment status at the IRS website.

The IRS might also contact you in other ways:

• Email, but only with your permission. An exception is for criminal investigations.
• Text, but only with your permission.
• Phone, but only after a case is in progress with your permission. Calls are usually to discuss your case, verify information or set up a meeting. They’ll never threaten you or ask you to pay immediately.
• Fax, but only to verify or request employment information. You’ll usually have a case pending.
• In-person visit. These are rare. IRS employees usually send letters before a visit. IRS agents always provide official identification. You can contact the IRS to verify an agent’s credentials.

The IRS does not communicate with people in these ways

Scammers leverage fear to get you to act without thinking. People usually react when they hear the IRS, and scammers know this. That’s why IRS scams pick up during tax filing season and other tax deadlines.

According to the IRS, they will never do the following:

• Contact you or take payment from you on social media
• Accept or request gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment
• Swear at you or insult you
• Refuse your right to ask questions about your tax inquiry
• Threaten to call law enforcement or immigration officials (aka ICE) if you don’t pay them
• Take or request your citizenship status, driver’s license, passport or business license
• Leave prerecorded voicemails, aka “robocalls”
• Mail or sponsor advertisements for tax debt resolution

If someone contacts you claiming to be from the IRS and uses any of these tactics, do not respond. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the IRS.

Keep your wits about you

If someone contacts you claiming to be from the IRS, breathe. Think before you react. Inspect the email links. And if you’re not expecting a call from the IRS, don’t pick it up. The IRS won’t call you unsolicited.

It’s OK to take time to think and protect yourself. If that means putting off responding to an email while you do some research, then do that. If you’re not good with this stuff, call a friend. If you have a tax lawyer or tax preparer, call them. They might have more information about scams currently in circulation and help you sort the issue.

Protect your personal information, trust your instincts and stay cybersafe out there!