IRS / HMRC Tax-Arrest Threat Call Script
This scam call impersonates a tax authority such as the IRS or HMRC, claiming you owe unpaid taxes and face immediate arrest or legal action unless you pay right away, typically demanding gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. It manufactures panic through legal-sounding threats and a countdown to prevent you from thinking clearly or calling anyone else to check. Real tax authorities never demand instant phone payment in these forms and always provide written notice with an appeals process first. The most important step is to hang up and contact the tax authority using its official published phone number.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
This is a final notice from the IRS. A federal arrest warrant has been issued in your name for tax fraud. You must call [number] immediately to avoid arrest.
This is HMRC calling. Our records show [amount] in unpaid tax. If you do not pay today a bailiff will be sent to your address. Press 1 to speak to a compliance officer.
The IRS has filed a lawsuit against your social security number. You will be taken into custody within the hour unless you settle [amount] by iTunes gift cards. Call now.
This is your final warning from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. Failure to respond will result in immediate prosecution. Call [number] to resolve this matter today.
What the scammer wants
To frighten you into paying fake 'tax debts' immediately by gift card, wire, or crypto before you have time to verify the claim with the real tax authority.
Red flags in the message
- Threat of immediate arrest if you do not pay right now
- Demand for payment by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency
- Caller ID may spoof a real government phone number
- No written notice or case reference mailed in advance
- Aggressive tone designed to prevent you hanging up
A safe response
Hang up. Real tax authorities contact you by official post before any legal action. Call the official agency number published on their website to check your actual account status.
What not to send
- Gift card PIN numbers
- Wire or crypto payments
- Social Security or National Insurance number
What to do if you already replied
- If you paid, contact your bank or the gift card issuer immediately
- Report the call to the IRS (1-800-366-4484) or HMRC (0300 200 3300) and to Action Fraud or the FTC
- Ignore any follow-up calls claiming to 'help you get your money back'
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times
Frequently asked questions
Could I really be arrested for unpaid taxes if I don't pay right now?
No — genuine tax authorities resolve debts through written correspondence and formal legal processes, not surprise phone calls demanding instant payment under threat of arrest. Hang up and verify your actual tax status by contacting the agency through its official website or phone number.
Why did they ask specifically for gift cards or crypto?
These payment methods are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to reverse once used, which is exactly why scammers prefer them over normal bank transfers that leave a paper trail. No legitimate government agency accepts tax payments in gift cards.
I already bought and used gift cards as instructed — can I get the money back?
Contact the gift card issuer immediately, as some can flag remaining balances if you act fast, though recovery isn't guaranteed and depends on timing. Also report the scam to your local consumer protection agency and, in the US, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Should I call back the number they gave me to double-check?
No — use a number you look up independently from the tax authority's official website or a past piece of genuine correspondence, since a callback number from the scammer will just connect you to them again.