Taxpayer can protect themselves from scammers by knowing how the IRS communicates

Here are: some facts about how the IRS communicates with taxpayers:

The IRS doesn’t normally initiate contact with taxpayers by email.

The agency does not send text messages or contact people through social media.

When the IRS needs to contact a taxpayer, the first contact is normally by letter delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

IRS revenue officers and agents routinely make unannounced visits to a taxpayer’s home or place of business1to discuss taxes owed, delinquent tax returns or a business falling behind on payroll tax deposits.)

When visited by someone from the IRS, the taxpayers should always ask for credentials. IRS representatives can always provide two forms of official credentials: a pocket commission and a Personal Identity Verification Credential.

Private debt collectors can call taxpayers for the collection of certain outstanding inactive tax liabilities, but only after the taxpayer and their representative have received written notice.