Real IRS / HMRC Contact vs Government-Impersonation Call
How to tell a genuine IRS or HMRC communication from a scam call threatening arrest, fines, or asset seizure to extract immediate payment.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Tax authorities such as the IRS and HMRC follow strict communication procedures. They do not threaten immediate arrest, demand gift card payment, or require same-day wire transfers. The comparison below helps you respond correctly to any contact claiming to be from a government tax body.
Side-by-side comparison
| Real IRS / HMRC contact | Government-impersonation call | |
|---|---|---|
| First contact method | First contact is almost always by letter to your registered address — not a cold call | First contact is typically a phone call, often automated, threatening arrest |
| Payment method | Directs you to an official payment portal or bank transfer to a government account — never gift cards | Demands iTunes gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency immediately |
| Threat of arrest | Cannot arrest you for a tax dispute; legal processes involve courts and written notices | Threatens immediate arrest, deportation, or asset freezing unless you pay now |
| Verification | You can call the official number and verify the matter independently | Caller insists you stay on the line or the 'case will escalate' |
| Urgency | Gives you time to seek advice; dispute mechanisms are available | Demands payment within hours or the 'matter will be referred to police' |
Common red flags
- Automated call threatening arrest for unpaid tax
- Demand for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer to pay taxes
- Caller insists you stay on the phone and not tell family
- Threat of immediate police arrival or deportation
- No written notice or reference number you can look up independently
Verification steps
- Hang up and call the tax authority directly on the number from their official website
- Log into your tax account on the official government portal to check for any outstanding notices
- Ask a tax adviser or Citizens Advice (UK) for independent guidance
- Never make any payment based solely on an unexpected phone call
What not to do
- Don't pay by gift card, crypto, or wire transfer in response to any tax call
- Don't stay on the line because the caller instructs you to
- Don't provide your tax ID, NI number, or bank details to an incoming caller
A safe response
Hang up. Look up the tax authority's official number independently and call to check whether there is a real outstanding issue. Report the call to your tax authority's fraud reporting line and to Action Fraud (UK) or the FTC (US).
Frequently asked questions
Does the IRS or HMRC ever call without writing first?
Occasionally, but only after multiple written notices have been sent. An unexpected first-contact call threatening immediate arrest or demanding gift cards is not how either agency operates. When in doubt, hang up and verify by calling the official number yourself.