---
title: IRS Scam Calls: What It Means and What to Do | TaxTruce
url: https://taxtruce.com/health/irs-scam-calls
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# Is that IRS call a scam?

How to tell a real IRS contact from a fake.

Updated October 8, 20264 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

## What should I do about IRS scam calls?

Scammers pose as the IRS and demand you pay now or be arrested. The IRS starts audits by mail, not by phone. A real private collector for the IRS only calls after you get a CP40 letter.

**Since Sept 23, 2021, only three private agencies collect for the IRS: CBE Group, Coast Professional and ConServe.**[Source: IRS: Private debt collection](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/private-debt-collection)

Watch for threats of arrest or deportation, demands to pay now, and odd web links. Those are signs of a scam.

Before a private collector calls, you get two letters: an IRS CP40 and the agency's own letter. Both have a taxpayer authentication number.

Private collectors for the IRS will not threaten you.

## Key facts

* Did you get a CP40 letter first?
* Does the caller know your taxpayer authentication number?
* Are they threatening arrest?
* What does your IRS Online Account show you owe?

## Options that may help

**Check your account**

Sign in at irs.gov to see what you really owe.

**Hang up**

Don't pay anyone over the phone who threatens you.

**Report it**

Report impersonation to the IRS.

Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.

## Common questions

How do I know a private collector is real?

Your CP40 names your agency. You and the agency swap parts of your taxpayer authentication number to confirm each other.

Source: [IRS: Private debt collection](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/private-debt-collection)

Does the IRS start audits by phone?

No. The IRS says it won't initiate an audit by telephone.

Source: [IRS: IRS audits](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/irs-audits)

## Sources

1. [IRS: Recognize tax scams and fraud](https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud)
2. [IRS: Private debt collection](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/private-debt-collection)
3. [IRS: Understanding your CP40 notice](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp40-notice)
4. [IRS: IRS audits](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/irs-audits)

General information, not tax or legal advice. You can contact the IRS yourself for free at [irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).

Run the numbers with our [free tax tools](/tools), like the penalty and payment plan math.