SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
IRS Scams
A Type Of Relationship Scam
The scammer poses as an IRS agent and claims you owe taxes. They may threaten arrest or legal action if you don’t pay immediately.
IRS scams (Internal Revenue Service) are an impersonation scam and are one of the types of scams in which scammers pretend to be representatives of the IRS to trick people into giving them money or personal information. These IRS scams can take many different forms, but they typically involve the scammer making unsolicited phone calls or sending unsolicited emails or letters, claiming that the victim owes money to the IRS and must pay immediately or face serious consequences.
The IRS scam scammers often use scare tactics to pressure their victims into paying, such as threatening to arrest or deport them, or that they will seize their assets or freeze their bank accounts. They may also demand payment through wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card, which are all red flags because the IRS does not use these payment methods.
It’s important to note that the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information, and will never demand payment without first sending a written notice. That makes it easy to identify IRS scams.
Scammers engage in IRS scams because they can be very lucrative. These types of scams involve tricking people into believing they owe money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and threatening them with arrest, legal action, or other consequences if they don’t pay immediately. The scammers typically ask for payment through wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods.
IRS scams are effective because they prey on people’s fear of getting in trouble with the government and their desire to resolve the issue quickly. Scammers often use tactics such as caller ID spoofing and impersonating IRS agents to make their scams seem more legitimate.
Unfortunately, many people fall for these scams and end up losing money. Scammers also use the information they collect from their victims, such as social security numbers and other personal information, to commit identity theft and other fraudulent activities.
It’s important to be cautious when receiving calls or emails from someone claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS will never call or email you out of the blue, and they will never demand immediate payment without allowing you to question or appeal the amount you owe. If you receive a suspicious call or email, you can contact the IRS directly to verify the legitimacy of the request.
If you receive a call, email, or letter from someone claiming to be from the IRS then they are automatically IRS scams. If you’re not sure if it’s legitimate, don’t provide any personal information or payment and instead contact the IRS directly to verify the authenticity of the request.
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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