Pretending to be an IRS agent is one of the favorite tactics of scam artists, according to the Better Business Bureau. And with the advent of sophisticated AI tools, it can be harder than ever to tell real from fake. The con artists impersonate the IRS to either intimidate people into making payments over the phone or to send misleading emails, tricking people into sharing personal information digitally. You can defend yourself against these scammers by knowing these four simple rules:

Tip 1: Expect a letter first

In almost every case, the IRS will send you a letter by standard mail if it needs to contact you. This will alert you to expect future communication from the agency and instruct you on the best ways to contact them. If you receive an unexpected or suspicious letter from the IRS, it should include a form or notice number that is searchable on the IRS website at www.irs.gov. If something doesn’t look right, you can call the IRS help desk at 1-800-829-1040 to question it.

Tip 2: Never over email

Don’t respond to any email communications supposedly from the IRS. Don’t click on any links. Delete the email or forward it to phishing@irs.gov to help catch the scammers. The IRS will never initiate contact with you using email. A common scammer trick is to send emails to taxpayers using accounts and graphics that imitate the agency’s logo. These emails may threaten imprisonment or fines if you don’t pay up or promise an extra refund if you send money to “prepay” your taxes. Often, the emails contain links to an official-looking fake website to collect payments. Clicking on them may also trigger the installation of virus programs on your computer.

Tip 3: Proper phone call etiquette

After notification via the USPS, the real IRS may call to discuss options for handling delinquent taxes or an audit. A real IRS agent or a debt collector won’t demand immediate payment without giving you an opportunity to question or appeal the bill. Nor will they threaten lawsuits, arrest, or deportation. Their tone should not be hostile or insulting. Finally, if they ask for payment, they should only ask you to make payments to the United States Treasury.

If you get a call from the IRS or an IRS debt collector, politely ask for the employee’s name, badge number, and phone number. They shouldn’t hesitate to provide this information. You should then end the call and dial the IRS at 1-800-366-4484 to confirm the person’s identity.

Tip 4: Check in-person visits

Ask the person for their credentials. Every IRS agent can produce two forms of credentials: a pocket commission card and a personal identity verification card issued by the Department of Homeland Security, also known as an HSPD-12. Never provide sensitive information or confirm information they may have without first independently verifying they are legitimate representatives of the IRS. If you have concerns, call the IRS at 1-800-366-4484 to confirm the person’s identity.

You do not need to navigate this problem on your own. Call immediately for assistance. It is good to have a knowledgeable expert on your side. As always, feel free to contact our RRBB advisors for more information or if you have any questions.