May 1, 2026

Now that the main tax filing season is over, criminals continue to use IRS impersonation scams to steal money and personal information. Understanding how the IRS actually communicates can help you recognize and avoid these schemes.

The IRS generally initiates contact by sending a letter through the mail on official letterhead. If you have an IRS online account, you can log in to verify whether a notice is legitimate. If you are unsure, you can contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.

Scammers, however, often pose as the IRS in several ways:

By mail:Fake letters may look official but include incorrect contact details or suspicious language such as “in relation to your unclaimed refund.”

By email or text:The IRS does not initiate contact this way. Messages promising refunds, credits or urgent fixes often contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal your information.

By phone:Scammers may leave threatening messages or demand immediate payment using gift cards or other unusual methods—tactics the IRS does not use.

In person:Unannounced visits are extremely rare. Most legitimate IRS appointments are scheduled in advance by letter.

If you suspect a scam, do not respond, click links or share information. Instead, contact the IRS using an official phone number to verify the situation.