Submitted by Global Scam Watch on

Tax related impersonation calls claiming unresolved activity or immediate legal action continue to target victims worldwide. These scams rely on fear, authority, and urgency. Callers falsely present themselves as national tax agencies such as the IRS, CRA, HMRC, ATO, and similar government bodies. The objective is to pressure individuals into sending money or disclosing personal information before verifying the legitimacy of the claim.

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦

Victims receive a phone call, often automated, asserting that their tax file has been flagged or that unresolved tax activity exists. The caller adopts an authoritative tone and frequently claims that an arrest warrant has been issued or that enforcement action is imminent. In some cases, the caller offers to reduce or settle the alleged tax debt if payment is made immediately. Victims are instructed to remain on the call and directed to pay using wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦

Legitimate tax authorities do not initiate contact by phone, email, or text message to demand immediate payment. They do not threaten arrest, law enforcement action, or license suspension during unsolicited calls. Official tax matters are handled through written correspondence delivered by mail and provide formal dispute and appeal processes.

𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗨𝗗

Any unsolicited call that demands urgent payment, insists you stay on the line, or directs payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services is fraudulent. Requests for credit card numbers or personal identifiers under the pretense of verification are also a definitive warning sign. Caller ID information cannot be trusted, as scammers frequently use spoofing to appear legitimate.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗢

If you receive a call of this nature, end the call immediately and do not engage. Do not follow prompts, return missed calls, or respond to text messages. Verify your tax status independently using official government websites or publicly listed contact information. Never rely on contact details provided by the caller. Block the number regardless of how it appears.

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗠

​🇺🇲 United States (IRS)

​🇨🇦 Canada (CRA)

​🇬🇧 United Kingdom (HMRC)

  • ​Agency: HM Revenue & Customs
  • ​🔗 Action Fraud: actionfraud.police.uk
  • ​✉️ Forward suspicious texts to: 60599

​🇦🇺 Australia (ATO)

​🇳🇿 New Zealand (IRD)

  • ​Agency: Inland Revenue Department
  • ​🔗 Cert NZ: cert.govt.nz
  • ​🔗 Report Phishing: phishing@ird.govt.nz

​🇮🇪 Ireland (Revenue)

  • ​Agency: Office of the Revenue Commissioners
  • ​🔗 Garda National Economic Crime Bureau: garda.ie
  • ​🔗 Revenue Security: revenue.ie

​🇿🇦 South Africa (SARS)

  • ​Agency: South African Revenue Service
  • ​🔗 SARS Scams & Phishing: sars.gov.za
  • ​📞 Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 00 28 70

Tax impersonation scams succeed when fear overrides verification. Independent confirmation and public reporting remain the most effective tools for preventing financial loss and protecting others.