Avoid Gift Card Fraud
Avoid Gift Card Scams: What You Should Know This Holiday Season
During the holiday season, scams targeting taxpayers increase. One of the most common is the gift card scam, where criminals try to convince you to buy them to pay off alleged tax debts.
Remember: the IRS never asks for or accepts gift cards as a form of payment.
Most Common Scams During the Holidays
Scammers may impersonate government officials or debt collectors to trick you. These scams often include:
- Official-looking requests asking for gift cards to settle an “outstanding debt.”
- Instructions for buying gift cards at different stores to avoid raising suspicion.
- Requests to provide the card number and PIN after purchase.
In addition, scammers could:
- Sending fake emails that appear to come from legitimate companies.
- Impersonating IRS agents and telling them that they are involved in criminal activities.
Threatening or harassing him to force him to pay a false tax penalty.
How to Know if It's Really the IRS
The IRS will never:
- They will call you demanding immediate payment via gift cards, prepaid cards, or wire transfers. The IRS always sends a bill by mail first.
- It will require you to pay taxes without allowing you to question or appeal the amount owed.
- He will threaten to involve the police, immigration, or other authorities to arrest him for a debt.
- He will threaten to revoke your driver's license, business licenses, or immigration status.
Knowing these signs will help you identify fraud attempts and protect your personal information.
What to Do if You Are a Victim of a Scam
If you have been the victim of a scam, you should report it immediately:
- Inspector General of the Treasury for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
- Website (English): IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting
- Phone: 800-366-4484
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Attorney General of your state
Reporting the incident can not only help you, but also prevent other taxpayers from falling victim to these scams.