IRS Scam Again Targeting Consumers With Recorded Messages Threatening Arrest Unless You Pay
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IRS Scam Again Targeting Consumers With Recorded Messages Threatening Arrest Unless You Pay

The calls give recipients only 24 hours in which to call a number to make payment with untraceable gift cards

August 7, 2025

Scammers never rest. In mid-2025 they’re using AI-generated recorded calls that mimic IRS agents’ voices and spoof Caller ID to appear as “IRS TAXPAYER SERVICES.” These calls claim you face arrest within 24 hours unless you pay immediately via gift cards or cryptocurrency. They prey on fear and urgency, pushing untraceable payment methods that leave no paper trail. Knowing the latest tactics and your rights can help you hang up, report the call and avoid irreversible financial loss.

How the Scam Works Today

Modern IRS imposter calls deploy deepfake voice cloning to sound authentic. The recording warns of tax evasion charges, arrest warrants and even local law enforcement involvement if “your balance” isn’t settled within a day. You are told to purchase $500 to $1,000 in gift cards, often iTunes, Amazon or reloadable prepaid debit cards—and read the codes over the phone. Once the scammer leaves with those codes, your money is gone; gift card issuers cannot reverse the transactions.

Why Gift Cards and Crypto?

Gift cards and cryptocurrency transfers are irreversible, anonymous and globally accessible, ideal for scammers. Apple and Amazon gift cards are available at every major retailer; prepaid debit cards and crypto kiosks are common in convenience stores. Once you provide the 16-digit PIN or blockchain address, scammers immediately liquidate or transfer funds through mixing services, making recovery impossible.

Red Flags to Spot the Scam

  • Threats of arrest or police involvement for unpaid taxes
  • Demand for payment within a strict 24-hour window
  • Requests to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers
  • Caller ID spoofed to show “IRS,” “TAX DEPT” or local police
  • Pre-recorded or AI-generated voices instead of a live agent
  • No official IRS correspondence by mail first

What the Real IRS Will Never Do

The IRS communicates primarily by mail. It will never:

  • Threaten immediate arrest or legal action via phone
  • Demand payment with gift cards, prepaid debit cards or cryptocurrency
  • Refuse to accept standard payment methods, check, money order or direct debit
  • Use robocalls or AI-generated recordings for official notices
  • Ask for Social Security numbers, bank account details or passwords over the phone

Steps to Take If You Receive a Scam Call

1. Hang up immediately. Do not press any numbers or respond to voice prompts.
2. Do not call back the displayed number; it’s controlled by scammers.
3. Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at TIGTA or call 1-800-366-4484.
4. Forward the robocall recording or details to the IRS phishing address: phishing@irs.gov.
5. If you lost money, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
6. Contact your gift card issuer immediately, Apple at 1-800-275-2273 or Amazon at 1-888-280-4331—to report the fraud and request deactivation if unused.

Protecting Yourself and Others

Share warnings with friends and family, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable. Install call-blocking apps or enable carrier-level scam protection on your phone. Use voicemail settings that screen robocalls and only answer known numbers. Regularly educate household members about emerging threats so everyone recognizes the red flags.

North Carolina Consumer Resources

North Carolina residents can report IRS imposter scams to the NC Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division at 919-716-6000 or online. The NC Attorney General’s office provides guidance on identity theft and gift card fraud. For free assistance, contact the NC Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-855-408-1212 to learn about senior-specific scamming tactics.

When in Doubt, Verify Independently

If you ever doubt a call’s legitimacy, look up the IRS’s official number on IRS.gov and call directly. Do not rely on numbers provided in the call or via email links. Always confirm tax balances and notices using your secure IRS online account or written correspondence before sending any payment.

By staying informed of the latest imposter tactics, using official verification channels and spreading the word in your community, you can help protect yourself and others from these relentless IRS gift card scams.