Is a text or call saying I owe back taxes and will be arrested if I do not pay immediately a scam?
Yes. Tax authorities in every country communicate via official post, not surprise phone calls or texts threatening immediate arrest. This is one of the most common government impersonation scams.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Government impersonation scams mimic the IRS, HMRC, the ATO, or equivalent tax agencies. The caller or message claims you have unpaid taxes and that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, which will be executed unless you make immediate payment. The pressure to act fast is deliberate — panic clouds judgment.
The payment demand almost always involves methods that real government agencies never use: iTunes or Google Play gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers to unknown accounts, or payments via app. Real tax agencies accept payment through official government portals, cheques, or bank transfers to published accounts.
Real tax disputes begin with formal written notices mailed to your registered address. If you do owe taxes, there is an established process of written correspondence, formal appeals, and payment plans — not a surprise phone call demanding gift cards within the hour.
If you are genuinely unsure whether you owe taxes, hang up and contact the tax authority directly using the number published on their official government website. Never use a callback number provided by the caller.
Common red flags
- Demands immediate payment to avoid arrest, deportation, or licence suspension
- Requires payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Caller is aggressive, threatening, or refuses to let you call back later
- The contact number is not a verified government number
- First contact was a call or text rather than formal written notice
- Asks you to keep the matter secret from family or advisers
What to do now
- Hang up or ignore the message immediately
- Never provide payment or personal details to the caller
- Look up the real tax authority number from the official government website
- Call that number directly to confirm whether any genuine debt exists
- Report the scam call to your national scam reporting line and telecom regulator
- If you already paid with gift cards, keep the cards and receipts as evidence
Frequently asked questions
Will the real tax authority ever call me?
Tax authorities do sometimes call, but only after establishing a written correspondence trail. They will never demand gift card payment or threaten immediate arrest on a first contact call.
I paid with gift cards — can I recover the money?
Recovery is very difficult. Contact the gift card issuer immediately with your receipt, as some issuers have fraud teams that can occasionally freeze unused card balances. Report to your national fraud agency.