Getting Calls About Unpaid Taxes? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Answer

Calls about unpaid taxes can sound urgent and intimidating, but in many cases, they’re scams. Fraudsters impersonate tax authorities to pressure victims into sharing personal data or making quick payments. Knowing how these scams work is key to avoiding financial and identity theft.

Key Takeaways

• Unsolicited tax calls are almost always scams. Legitimate tax authorities like the IRS typically contact you first by mail—not by phone.
• Scammers rely on fear and urgency. They may threaten arrest, legal action, or penalties to pressure you into acting quickly without verifying the claim.
• Personal and financial data are the main targets. Fraudsters aim to collect sensitive information like Social Security numbers, banking details, or upfront payments.
• The safest response is to hang up and verify independently. Contact the tax authority directly using official channels and never use numbers or links provided by the caller.

Unpaid Tax Scam Calls Explained and How to Avoid Them

Are you getting unexpected phone calls claiming you owe back taxes? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a simple piece of advice: just hang up.

These calls aren’t actually from the IRS – they’re part of a scam designed to steal your money or personal information.

How The Scam Works

According to the FTC, scammers cold-call people pretending to represent tax authorities or made-up agencies with official-sounding names, such as “Tax Resolution Oversight Department” or “Tax Mediation and Resolution Agency.”

During the call, they may:

• Claim you owe unpaid taxes
• Offer to transfer you to a so-called “tax resolution officer”
• Promise to reduce or eliminate your tax debt by applying for the “IRS liability reduction program”
• Push you to act immediately to avoid penalties or legal action

Their end goal is to pressure you into sharing sensitive information or paying upfront fees for fake services.

Red flags that suggest you’re dealing with a scam

• The IRS does not initiate contact by phone. Legitimate tax notices come by mail first.
• The caller uses vague or unfamiliar agency names instead of “Internal Revenue Service.”
• You’re asked to provide personal details, Social Security Numbers, or payment information on the spot.
• The caller creates a sense of urgency or warns of consequences if you don’t act immediately.

What to do if you get one of these calls

• Hang up immediately. Don’t press buttons or engage further.
• If you’re concerned about your tax status, contact the IRS directly using a phone number listed on IRS.gov, not one provided by the caller.
• Never share personal or financial information during an unsolicited call.
• Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Extra protection: tools that can help stop scam attempts

Scam calls are harder to avoid when criminals use spoofed numbers or automated robocalls. That’s where layered protection helps.

• Bitdefender Scamio can analyze suspicious messages and claims in real time. If you’re unsure whether a tax-related message or follow-up email is legitimate, Scamio can help you spot red flags before you act.
• Bitdefender Link Checker adds another safety net. If a scammer follows up with a text or email containing a “tax relief” link, you can check it instantly before clicking.
• Call Blocking in Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android helps reduce exposure by identifying and blocking known scam and spam calls before they reach you.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why do I keep getting spam calls about taxes?

You’re likely receiving spam tax calls because scammers use automated dialing systems to target large numbers of people. They rely on fear and urgency, hoping some recipients will respond. Your number may have been exposed in a data breach or added to scam call lists.

What are some signs that a phone call is actually a scammer?

Common signs include threats of arrest or legal action, requests for immediate payment, demands for personal or financial information, caller ID spoofing, and pressure to act quickly. Scammers often insist on unusual payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

Does HMRC ever contact you by phone?

HMRC may contact you by phone in certain cases, but it will never threaten arrest, demand immediate payment, or ask for sensitive information like passwords or PINs. Most official communication begins through letters, and suspicious calls should always be verified independently.

How does the IRS initially contact people?

The IRS typically initiates contact through official mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. It does not start communication via phone calls, emails, or text messages. Any unexpected call claiming to be from the IRS is likely a scam.