AI-enabled IRS phone impersonation
IRS phone scams now include computer-generated voices and caller ID that makes the call look official. The IRS generally contacts people by mail first and does not demand immediate payment or threaten arrest in a prerecorded call.
How it works
You may get a live or recorded call that appears to come from the IRS. The voice may be computer-generated or made to sound like a real person, and the caller ID can be spoofed. The caller says you owe taxes, that a refund is on hold, or that you will be arrested if you do not pay now. They may demand a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card. The IRS included this AI-enabled phone impersonation on its 2026 Dirty Dozen list. A threatening, urgent tax call is a sign to hang up and check official mail or IRS.gov yourself.
Red flags
- The IRS appears to call and demand immediate payment, especially without a prior bill in the mail.
- The caller threatens arrest or says local police will come if you do not pay.
- They require a prepaid card or another unusual payment method.
- They ask for a credit or debit card number over the phone.
What to do
- Hang up. Do not pay or share tax or bank information on the call.
- If you are concerned about a real tax bill, check IRS.gov or official mail, or call a number you find on the official site.
- Report IRS-related phone scams as the IRS directs, and also at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If you think your tax identity was used, start at IRS.gov/idtheft.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.