{"id":41371,"date":"2026-07-01T11:29:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T18:29:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/?p=41371"},"modified":"2026-07-01T11:29:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T18:29:42","slug":"irs-verify-identity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/","title":{"rendered":"IRS Verify Identity: Step by Step Instructions and Scam Warnings for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IRS named impersonation scams the number one tax threat of 2026. Bolster AI identified 152 new IRS-themed domains registered this year alone, with 82% already actively malicious. If you received an email, text, phone call, or letter claiming to be from the IRS and you are not certain it is real, this guide tells you exactly how to verify it before responding. It also covers how to complete the actual IRS identity verification process if your contact turns out to be legitimate. If someone claiming to be from the IRS or a tax resolution service has reached out to you, run their phone number, name, or email through <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\">Social Catfish<\/a> to verify who you are actually dealing with before handing over any personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"search_mb_2020 scfb_mb_search scfb_full_search blog_content_search\"> <div class=\"search-form-2020\"  data-js-r=\"search.form\">\n    <div class=\"row tabs-content\">\n        <div class=\"scf-tooltip-badge-target\" data-badge-number=\"1\" data-badge-position=\"badge-bl\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-3\">\n\n            <div class=\"tabs\" data-pause=\"false\">\n                <div class=\"dropdown-overlay\"  data-js-r=\"search.form.dropdown_overlay\"><\/div>\n                <a data-item=\"0\" data-type=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\" class=' active '><i class=\"si-user\"><\/i> <span>Name<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"1\" data-type=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-email-address-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-email\"><\/i> <span>Email<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"2\" data-type=\"3\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-phone\"><\/i> <span>Phone<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"3\" data-type=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-username-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-username\"><\/i> <span>Username<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"4\" data-type=\"5\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-address-check\/\" class=' address_search_menue '><i class=\"si-location\"><\/i> <span>Address<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"5\" data-type=\"4\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-image-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-image\"><\/i> <span>Image<\/span><\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-7\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.all\">\n            <div class=\"row list  active name-list\">\n                <div class=\"col-sm-6 border-rt\">\n                    <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter name here\" aria-label=\"Enter name here\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"100\" name=\"full_name\" aria-required=\"true\">\n                    <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here<\/label>\n                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-sm-6 si-triangle-down\">\n                    <select name=\"country\" ><option value=\"US\">United States<\/option><option value=\"CA\">Canada<\/option><option value=\"GB\">United Kingdom<\/option><option value=\"AF\">Afghanistan<\/option><option value=\"AX\">\u00c5land Islands<\/option><option value=\"AL\">Albania<\/option><option value=\"DZ\">Algeria<\/option><option value=\"AS\">American Samoa<\/option><option value=\"AD\">Andorra<\/option><option value=\"AO\">Angola<\/option><option value=\"AI\">Anguilla<\/option><option value=\"AQ\">Antarctica<\/option><option value=\"AG\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/option><option value=\"AR\">Argentina<\/option><option value=\"AM\">Armenia<\/option><option value=\"AW\">Aruba<\/option><option value=\"AU\">Australia<\/option><option value=\"AT\">Austria<\/option><option value=\"AZ\">Azerbaijan<\/option><option value=\"BS\">Bahamas<\/option><option value=\"BH\">Bahrain<\/option><option value=\"BD\">Bangladesh<\/option><option value=\"BB\">Barbados<\/option><option value=\"BE\">Belgium<\/option><option value=\"BZ\">Belize<\/option><option value=\"BJ\">Benin<\/option><option value=\"BM\">Bermuda<\/option><option value=\"BT\">Bhutan<\/option><option value=\"BO\">Bolivia<\/option><option value=\"BA\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/option><option value=\"BW\">Botswana<\/option><option value=\"BV\">Bouvet Island<\/option><option value=\"BR\">Brazil<\/option><option value=\"IO\">British Indian Ocean Territory<\/option><option value=\"BN\">Brunei Darussalam<\/option><option value=\"BG\">Bulgaria<\/option><option value=\"BF\">Burkina Faso<\/option><option value=\"BI\">Burundi<\/option><option value=\"KH\">Cambodia<\/option><option value=\"CM\">Cameroon<\/option><option value=\"CV\">Cape Verde<\/option><option value=\"KY\">Cayman Islands<\/option><option value=\"CF\">Central African Republic<\/option><option value=\"TD\">Chad<\/option><option value=\"CL\">Chile<\/option><option value=\"CN\">China<\/option><option value=\"CX\">Christmas Island<\/option><option value=\"CC\">Cocos (Keeling) Islands<\/option><option value=\"CO\">Colombia<\/option><option value=\"KM\">Comoros<\/option><option value=\"CK\">Cook Islands<\/option><option value=\"CR\">Costa Rica<\/option><option value=\"HR\">Croatia<\/option><option value=\"CY\">Cyprus<\/option><option value=\"CZ\">Czech Republic<\/option><option value=\"DK\">Denmark<\/option><option value=\"DJ\">Djibouti<\/option><option value=\"DM\">Dominica<\/option><option value=\"DO\">Dominican Republic<\/option><option value=\"EC\">Ecuador<\/option><option value=\"EG\">Egypt<\/option><option value=\"SV\">El Salvador<\/option><option value=\"GQ\">Equatorial Guinea<\/option><option value=\"ER\">Eritrea<\/option><option value=\"EE\">Estonia<\/option><option value=\"ET\">Ethiopia<\/option><option value=\"FK\">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)<\/option><option value=\"FO\">Faroe Islands<\/option><option value=\"FJ\">Fiji<\/option><option value=\"FI\">Finland<\/option><option value=\"FR\">France<\/option><option value=\"GF\">French Guiana<\/option><option value=\"PF\">French Polynesia<\/option><option value=\"TF\">French Southern Territories<\/option><option value=\"GA\">Gabon<\/option><option value=\"GM\">Gambia<\/option><option value=\"GE\">Georgia<\/option><option value=\"DE\">Germany<\/option><option value=\"GH\">Ghana<\/option><option value=\"GI\">Gibraltar<\/option><option value=\"GR\">Greece<\/option><option value=\"GL\">Greenland<\/option><option value=\"GD\">Grenada<\/option><option value=\"GP\">Guadeloupe<\/option><option value=\"GU\">Guam<\/option><option value=\"GT\">Guatemala<\/option><option value=\"GG\">Guernsey<\/option><option value=\"GN\">Guinea<\/option><option value=\"GW\">Guinea-bissau<\/option><option value=\"GY\">Guyana<\/option><option value=\"HT\">Haiti<\/option><option value=\"HM\">Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands<\/option><option value=\"VA\">Holy See (Vatican City State)<\/option><option value=\"HN\">Honduras<\/option><option value=\"HK\">Hong Kong<\/option><option value=\"HU\">Hungary<\/option><option value=\"IS\">Iceland<\/option><option value=\"IN\">India<\/option><option value=\"ID\">Indonesia<\/option><option value=\"IE\">Ireland<\/option><option value=\"IM\">Isle of Man<\/option><option value=\"IL\">Israel<\/option><option value=\"IT\">Italy<\/option><option value=\"JM\">Jamaica<\/option><option value=\"JP\">Japan<\/option><option value=\"JE\">Jersey<\/option><option value=\"JO\">Jordan<\/option><option value=\"KZ\">Kazakhstan<\/option><option value=\"KE\">Kenya<\/option><option value=\"KI\">Kiribati<\/option><option value=\"KW\">Kuwait<\/option><option value=\"KG\">Kyrgyzstan<\/option><option value=\"LA\">Lao People's Democratic Republic<\/option><option value=\"LV\">Latvia<\/option><option value=\"LS\">Lesotho<\/option><option value=\"LI\">Liechtenstein<\/option><option value=\"LT\">Lithuania<\/option><option value=\"LU\">Luxembourg<\/option><option value=\"MO\">Macao<\/option><option value=\"MK\">Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MG\">Madagascar<\/option><option value=\"MW\">Malawi<\/option><option value=\"MY\">Malaysia<\/option><option value=\"MV\">Maldives<\/option><option value=\"ML\">Mali<\/option><option value=\"MT\">Malta<\/option><option value=\"MH\">Marshall Islands<\/option><option value=\"MQ\">Martinique<\/option><option value=\"MR\">Mauritania<\/option><option value=\"MU\">Mauritius<\/option><option value=\"YT\">Mayotte<\/option><option value=\"MX\">Mexico<\/option><option value=\"FM\">Micronesia, Federated States of<\/option><option value=\"MD\">Moldova, Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MC\">Monaco<\/option><option value=\"MN\">Mongolia<\/option><option value=\"ME\">Montenegro<\/option><option value=\"MS\">Montserrat<\/option><option value=\"MA\">Morocco<\/option><option value=\"MZ\">Mozambique<\/option><option value=\"NA\">Namibia<\/option><option value=\"NR\">Nauru<\/option><option value=\"NP\">Nepal<\/option><option value=\"NL\">Netherlands<\/option><option value=\"AN\">Netherlands Antilles<\/option><option value=\"NC\">New Caledonia<\/option><option value=\"NZ\">New Zealand<\/option><option value=\"NI\">Nicaragua<\/option><option value=\"NE\">Niger<\/option><option value=\"NG\">Nigeria<\/option><option value=\"NU\">Niue<\/option><option value=\"NF\">Norfolk Island<\/option><option value=\"MP\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option><option value=\"NO\">Norway<\/option><option value=\"OM\">Oman<\/option><option value=\"PK\">Pakistan<\/option><option value=\"PW\">Palau<\/option><option value=\"PS\">Palestinian Territory, Occupied<\/option><option value=\"PA\">Panama<\/option><option value=\"PG\">Papua New Guinea<\/option><option value=\"PY\">Paraguay<\/option><option value=\"PE\">Peru<\/option><option value=\"PH\">Philippines<\/option><option value=\"PN\">Pitcairn<\/option><option value=\"PL\">Poland<\/option><option value=\"PT\">Portugal<\/option><option value=\"PR\">Puerto Rico<\/option><option value=\"QA\">Qatar<\/option><option value=\"RE\">Reunion<\/option><option value=\"RO\">Romania<\/option><option value=\"RU\">Russian Federation<\/option><option value=\"RW\">Rwanda<\/option><option value=\"SH\">Saint Helena<\/option><option value=\"KN\">Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/option><option value=\"LC\">Saint Lucia<\/option><option value=\"PM\">Saint Pierre and Miquelon<\/option><option value=\"VC\">Saint Vincent and The Grenadines<\/option><option value=\"WS\">Samoa<\/option><option value=\"SM\">San Marino<\/option><option value=\"ST\">Sao Tome and Principe<\/option><option value=\"SA\">Saudi Arabia<\/option><option value=\"SN\">Senegal<\/option><option value=\"RS\">Serbia<\/option><option value=\"SC\">Seychelles<\/option><option value=\"SL\">Sierra Leone<\/option><option value=\"SG\">Singapore<\/option><option value=\"SK\">Slovakia<\/option><option value=\"SI\">Slovenia<\/option><option value=\"SB\">Solomon Islands<\/option><option value=\"ZA\">South Africa<\/option><option value=\"GS\">South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands<\/option><option value=\"KR\">South Korea<\/option><option value=\"ES\">Spain<\/option><option value=\"LK\">Sri Lanka<\/option><option value=\"SR\">Suriname<\/option><option value=\"SJ\">Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/option><option value=\"SZ\">Swaziland<\/option><option value=\"SE\">Sweden<\/option><option value=\"CH\">Switzerland<\/option><option value=\"TW\">Taiwan, Province of China<\/option><option value=\"TJ\">Tajikistan<\/option><option value=\"TZ\">Tanzania, United Republic of<\/option><option value=\"TH\">Thailand<\/option><option value=\"TL\">Timor-leste<\/option><option value=\"TG\">Togo<\/option><option value=\"TK\">Tokelau<\/option><option value=\"TO\">Tonga<\/option><option value=\"TT\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/option><option value=\"TN\">Tunisia<\/option><option value=\"TR\">Turkey<\/option><option value=\"TM\">Turkmenistan<\/option><option value=\"TC\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/option><option value=\"TV\">Tuvalu<\/option><option value=\"UG\">Uganda<\/option><option value=\"UA\">Ukraine<\/option><option value=\"AE\">United Arab Emirates<\/option><option value=\"UM\">United States Minor Outlying Islands<\/option><option value=\"UY\">Uruguay<\/option><option value=\"UZ\">Uzbekistan<\/option><option value=\"VU\">Vanuatu<\/option><option value=\"VE\">Venezuela<\/option><option value=\"VN\">Viet Nam<\/option><option value=\"VG\">Virgin Islands, British<\/option><option value=\"VI\">Virgin Islands, U.S.<\/option><option value=\"WF\">Wallis and Futuna<\/option><option value=\"EH\">Western Sahara<\/option><option value=\"YE\">Yemen<\/option><option value=\"ZM\">Zambia<\/option><\/select>                <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter email here\" name=\"email\" maxlength=\"100\" value=\"\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Email<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter phone here\" name=\"phone\" maxlength=\"12\" value=\"\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.phone\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Phone Number<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter username here\" name=\"username\" maxlength=\"100\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Username<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter address here\" name=\"address\" maxlength=\"100\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.address\"  autocomplete=\"off\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Address<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"row list image \" >\n                <span>Browse and upload image here <\/span>\n                                    <form method=\"post\">\n                        <input type=\"file\" name=\"image[]\" aria-label=\"Search an Image\" aria-required=\"true\" accept=\"image\/*\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.image_single\">\n                        <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Image<\/label>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"search_type\" value=\"4\" \/>\n                    <\/form>                \n                                    <div class=\"file-progress-wrapper\">\n                    <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"file-progress\">\n                        <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val anim\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/label>\n        \n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-2 text-center\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"go\"  data-js-r=\"search.go\">Search<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- Bulk -->\n       \n    <p class=\"respect-privacy\"><span class=\"si-secured-fill\"><\/span> We Respect Your Privacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script>\n    var uploaded_images = [];\n<\/script><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-fake-irs-contact-is-so-convincing-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Fake IRS Contact Is So Convincing in 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-1250x833.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kelly-sikkema-X2soeHdvkLY-unsplash-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/whos-really-behind-that-account-how-to-find-out-who-owns-an-anonymous-profile\/\">Scammers impersonating the IRS<\/a> are no longer sending obvious phishing emails full of typos and generic greetings. The 2026 wave is professionally coordinated and harder to detect than anything seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is what the research shows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>152 new IRS-themed domains registered in 2026, 82% active and malicious within hours of registration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>125 confirmed malicious IRS-themed URLs identified year to date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fake IRS lures break down as follows \u2014 42% refund themes, 27% identity verification spoofs, 22% audit and enforcement fear tactics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scammers pull real personal details from past data breaches \u2014 your name, address, partial SSN \u2014 to make the contact feel legitimate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Microsoft identified a phishing wave in 2026 targeting over 29,000 users across 10,000 organizations using IRS-themed lures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fake ID.me login pages are now common because ID.me is the official IRS verification provider \u2014 victims who have verified before do it again without hesitation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal in every case is the same: get you to hand over personal information, credentials, or money under the belief that the IRS is on the other end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-verify-if-an-irs-email-is-real\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Verify If an IRS Email Is Real<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The single most important rule: the IRS does not initiate contact by email. Ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/how-to-find-all-accounts-associated-with-an-email\/\">If you received an unsolicited email<\/a> claiming to be from the IRS asking you to verify your identity, click a link, confirm account information, or claim a refund, it is a scam. The IRS only contacts taxpayers through the U.S. mail. There are no exceptions to this rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signs a fake IRS email is in your inbox:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Generic greeting like &#8220;Dear Taxpayer&#8221; instead of your full legal name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urgent language demanding immediate action to avoid penalties, arrest, or account seizure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A link or button directing you to verify your identity or confirm account details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A QR code to scan \u2014 real IRS letters occasionally include QR codes but unsolicited emails with QR codes are always suspicious<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An email address that is not from irs.gov \u2014 scammers use domains like irs-gov.com, irs.support, or irs-refund.net to look official<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requests for your SSN, bank account details, or password<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What to do if you receive a suspicious IRS email:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not click any links or scan any QR codes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not reply or open any attachments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forward the email to <a href=\"mailto:phishing@irs.gov\">phishing@irs.gov<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go directly to IRS.gov and log in to your account to check for any actual notices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the email included a phone number and you want to verify whether that number belongs to a real IRS office before calling it, run it through Social Catfish. <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\">A reverse phone search<\/a> returns every account, business, and identity connected to that number, confirming whether it traces to a legitimate government operation or a scam call center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-verify-if-an-irs-phone-call-is-real\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Verify If an IRS Phone Call Is Real<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/irs-tax-scams\/\">The IRS does not call taxpayers<\/a> demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. If a caller is pressuring you to act immediately, that pressure itself is the scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is how real IRS phone contact works versus how fake calls work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Real IRS calls:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The IRS typically sends multiple written notices before calling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IRS agents identify themselves by name and employee badge number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They do not demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They do not threaten arrest or deportation over the phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They will not ask for your credit or debit card number over the phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you owe money, they will give you time to question or appeal the amount<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fake IRS calls:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Caller demands immediate payment or verification to avoid arrest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caller already knows your name, address, and partial SSN \u2014 this comes from data breaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caller ID shows an official-looking IRS number \u2014 scammers spoof these routinely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caller insists you <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/unraveling-the-apple-gift-card-scam-phenomenon\/\">pay via gift cards<\/a>, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or Apple Cash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caller threatens immediate consequences if you hang up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What to do if you receive a suspicious IRS call:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hang up without providing any information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not call back any number the caller gave you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find the official IRS number yourself at IRS.gov and call that directly to check your account status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the caller claimed to be from a specific IRS office or gave you a badge number, verify whether that information is real<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before calling any number back or providing any details, run the caller&#8217;s phone number through Social Catfish. <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\">A reverse phone search<\/a> shows you every identity, business, and online account connected to that number. If the number traces to a known scam operation, a foreign call center, or a spoofed line with no legitimate business history, you will know before engaging further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Run a free search on Social Catfish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-verify-if-an-irs-letter-is-real\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Verify If an IRS Letter Is Real<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fake IRS letters are the hardest scam to detect because they arrive through the mail just like real ones and can be designed to look nearly identical to official IRS correspondence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signs a letter is genuinely from the IRS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is addressed to you at your current address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It references a specific tax year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It includes a specific notice or letter number \u2014 real IRS letters use numbers like 5071C, 4883C, 5447C, or 5747C<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It asks you to verify your identity or respond to a specific question about your return \u2014 not to make an immediate payment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/best-free-phone-number-lookup-for-no-charge\/\">It provides a phone number <\/a>to call or a website to visit for verification \u2014 specifically idverify.irs.gov<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signs a letter may be fake:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It demands immediate payment to avoid arrest or legal action<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It asks you to pay via gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It includes a QR code directing you to verify your identity on a website you do not recognize<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It threatens consequences with an extremely short deadline \u2014 same day or next day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The letter number does not match any known IRS notice format<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It asks you to call a number that is not on IRS.gov<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How to verify a letter is legitimate before responding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go directly to IRS.gov and log in to your IRS Online Account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check your account for any notices or letters that match what you received \u2014 real IRS correspondence will appear in your account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search the notice or letter number at IRS.gov to confirm it is a real IRS letter type<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 using the number you found on IRS.gov, not the number in the letter, to confirm whether the letter is genuine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the letter references a person, company, or tax resolution service by name and asks you to contact them, verify that person or company through Social Catfish before making contact. <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\">Run their name<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\"> phone number<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-email-address-search\/\">or email <\/a>and confirm whether the identity behind the contact is real and whether they have been associated with known scam activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"search_mb_2020 scfb_mb_search scfb_full_search blog_content_search\"> <div class=\"search-form-2020\"  data-js-r=\"search.form\">\n    <div class=\"row tabs-content\">\n        <div class=\"scf-tooltip-badge-target\" data-badge-number=\"1\" data-badge-position=\"badge-bl\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-3\">\n\n            <div class=\"tabs\" data-pause=\"false\">\n                <div class=\"dropdown-overlay\"  data-js-r=\"search.form.dropdown_overlay\"><\/div>\n                <a data-item=\"0\" data-type=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\" class=' active '><i class=\"si-user\"><\/i> <span>Name<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"1\" data-type=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-email-address-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-email\"><\/i> <span>Email<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"2\" data-type=\"3\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-phone\"><\/i> <span>Phone<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"3\" data-type=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-username-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-username\"><\/i> <span>Username<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"4\" data-type=\"5\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-address-check\/\" class=' address_search_menue '><i class=\"si-location\"><\/i> <span>Address<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"5\" data-type=\"4\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-image-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-image\"><\/i> <span>Image<\/span><\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-7\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.all\">\n            <div class=\"row list  active name-list\">\n                <div class=\"col-sm-6 border-rt\">\n                    <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter name here\" aria-label=\"Enter name here\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"100\" name=\"full_name\" aria-required=\"true\">\n                    <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here<\/label>\n                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-sm-6 si-triangle-down\">\n                    <select name=\"country\" ><option value=\"US\">United States<\/option><option value=\"CA\">Canada<\/option><option value=\"GB\">United Kingdom<\/option><option value=\"AF\">Afghanistan<\/option><option value=\"AX\">\u00c5land Islands<\/option><option value=\"AL\">Albania<\/option><option value=\"DZ\">Algeria<\/option><option value=\"AS\">American Samoa<\/option><option value=\"AD\">Andorra<\/option><option value=\"AO\">Angola<\/option><option value=\"AI\">Anguilla<\/option><option value=\"AQ\">Antarctica<\/option><option value=\"AG\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/option><option value=\"AR\">Argentina<\/option><option value=\"AM\">Armenia<\/option><option value=\"AW\">Aruba<\/option><option value=\"AU\">Australia<\/option><option value=\"AT\">Austria<\/option><option value=\"AZ\">Azerbaijan<\/option><option value=\"BS\">Bahamas<\/option><option value=\"BH\">Bahrain<\/option><option value=\"BD\">Bangladesh<\/option><option value=\"BB\">Barbados<\/option><option value=\"BE\">Belgium<\/option><option value=\"BZ\">Belize<\/option><option value=\"BJ\">Benin<\/option><option value=\"BM\">Bermuda<\/option><option value=\"BT\">Bhutan<\/option><option value=\"BO\">Bolivia<\/option><option value=\"BA\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/option><option value=\"BW\">Botswana<\/option><option value=\"BV\">Bouvet Island<\/option><option value=\"BR\">Brazil<\/option><option value=\"IO\">British Indian Ocean Territory<\/option><option value=\"BN\">Brunei Darussalam<\/option><option value=\"BG\">Bulgaria<\/option><option value=\"BF\">Burkina Faso<\/option><option value=\"BI\">Burundi<\/option><option value=\"KH\">Cambodia<\/option><option value=\"CM\">Cameroon<\/option><option value=\"CV\">Cape Verde<\/option><option value=\"KY\">Cayman Islands<\/option><option value=\"CF\">Central African Republic<\/option><option value=\"TD\">Chad<\/option><option value=\"CL\">Chile<\/option><option value=\"CN\">China<\/option><option value=\"CX\">Christmas Island<\/option><option value=\"CC\">Cocos (Keeling) Islands<\/option><option value=\"CO\">Colombia<\/option><option value=\"KM\">Comoros<\/option><option value=\"CK\">Cook Islands<\/option><option value=\"CR\">Costa Rica<\/option><option value=\"HR\">Croatia<\/option><option value=\"CY\">Cyprus<\/option><option value=\"CZ\">Czech Republic<\/option><option value=\"DK\">Denmark<\/option><option value=\"DJ\">Djibouti<\/option><option value=\"DM\">Dominica<\/option><option value=\"DO\">Dominican Republic<\/option><option value=\"EC\">Ecuador<\/option><option value=\"EG\">Egypt<\/option><option value=\"SV\">El Salvador<\/option><option value=\"GQ\">Equatorial Guinea<\/option><option value=\"ER\">Eritrea<\/option><option value=\"EE\">Estonia<\/option><option value=\"ET\">Ethiopia<\/option><option value=\"FK\">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)<\/option><option value=\"FO\">Faroe Islands<\/option><option value=\"FJ\">Fiji<\/option><option value=\"FI\">Finland<\/option><option value=\"FR\">France<\/option><option value=\"GF\">French Guiana<\/option><option value=\"PF\">French Polynesia<\/option><option value=\"TF\">French Southern Territories<\/option><option value=\"GA\">Gabon<\/option><option value=\"GM\">Gambia<\/option><option value=\"GE\">Georgia<\/option><option value=\"DE\">Germany<\/option><option value=\"GH\">Ghana<\/option><option value=\"GI\">Gibraltar<\/option><option value=\"GR\">Greece<\/option><option value=\"GL\">Greenland<\/option><option value=\"GD\">Grenada<\/option><option value=\"GP\">Guadeloupe<\/option><option value=\"GU\">Guam<\/option><option value=\"GT\">Guatemala<\/option><option value=\"GG\">Guernsey<\/option><option value=\"GN\">Guinea<\/option><option value=\"GW\">Guinea-bissau<\/option><option value=\"GY\">Guyana<\/option><option value=\"HT\">Haiti<\/option><option value=\"HM\">Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands<\/option><option value=\"VA\">Holy See (Vatican City State)<\/option><option value=\"HN\">Honduras<\/option><option value=\"HK\">Hong Kong<\/option><option value=\"HU\">Hungary<\/option><option value=\"IS\">Iceland<\/option><option value=\"IN\">India<\/option><option value=\"ID\">Indonesia<\/option><option value=\"IE\">Ireland<\/option><option value=\"IM\">Isle of Man<\/option><option value=\"IL\">Israel<\/option><option value=\"IT\">Italy<\/option><option value=\"JM\">Jamaica<\/option><option value=\"JP\">Japan<\/option><option value=\"JE\">Jersey<\/option><option value=\"JO\">Jordan<\/option><option value=\"KZ\">Kazakhstan<\/option><option value=\"KE\">Kenya<\/option><option value=\"KI\">Kiribati<\/option><option value=\"KW\">Kuwait<\/option><option value=\"KG\">Kyrgyzstan<\/option><option value=\"LA\">Lao People's Democratic Republic<\/option><option value=\"LV\">Latvia<\/option><option value=\"LS\">Lesotho<\/option><option value=\"LI\">Liechtenstein<\/option><option value=\"LT\">Lithuania<\/option><option value=\"LU\">Luxembourg<\/option><option value=\"MO\">Macao<\/option><option value=\"MK\">Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MG\">Madagascar<\/option><option value=\"MW\">Malawi<\/option><option value=\"MY\">Malaysia<\/option><option value=\"MV\">Maldives<\/option><option value=\"ML\">Mali<\/option><option value=\"MT\">Malta<\/option><option value=\"MH\">Marshall Islands<\/option><option value=\"MQ\">Martinique<\/option><option value=\"MR\">Mauritania<\/option><option value=\"MU\">Mauritius<\/option><option value=\"YT\">Mayotte<\/option><option value=\"MX\">Mexico<\/option><option value=\"FM\">Micronesia, Federated States of<\/option><option value=\"MD\">Moldova, Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MC\">Monaco<\/option><option value=\"MN\">Mongolia<\/option><option value=\"ME\">Montenegro<\/option><option value=\"MS\">Montserrat<\/option><option value=\"MA\">Morocco<\/option><option value=\"MZ\">Mozambique<\/option><option value=\"NA\">Namibia<\/option><option value=\"NR\">Nauru<\/option><option value=\"NP\">Nepal<\/option><option value=\"NL\">Netherlands<\/option><option value=\"AN\">Netherlands Antilles<\/option><option value=\"NC\">New Caledonia<\/option><option value=\"NZ\">New Zealand<\/option><option value=\"NI\">Nicaragua<\/option><option value=\"NE\">Niger<\/option><option value=\"NG\">Nigeria<\/option><option value=\"NU\">Niue<\/option><option value=\"NF\">Norfolk Island<\/option><option value=\"MP\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option><option value=\"NO\">Norway<\/option><option value=\"OM\">Oman<\/option><option value=\"PK\">Pakistan<\/option><option value=\"PW\">Palau<\/option><option value=\"PS\">Palestinian Territory, Occupied<\/option><option value=\"PA\">Panama<\/option><option value=\"PG\">Papua New Guinea<\/option><option value=\"PY\">Paraguay<\/option><option value=\"PE\">Peru<\/option><option value=\"PH\">Philippines<\/option><option value=\"PN\">Pitcairn<\/option><option value=\"PL\">Poland<\/option><option value=\"PT\">Portugal<\/option><option value=\"PR\">Puerto Rico<\/option><option value=\"QA\">Qatar<\/option><option value=\"RE\">Reunion<\/option><option value=\"RO\">Romania<\/option><option value=\"RU\">Russian Federation<\/option><option value=\"RW\">Rwanda<\/option><option value=\"SH\">Saint Helena<\/option><option value=\"KN\">Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/option><option value=\"LC\">Saint Lucia<\/option><option value=\"PM\">Saint Pierre and Miquelon<\/option><option value=\"VC\">Saint Vincent and The Grenadines<\/option><option value=\"WS\">Samoa<\/option><option value=\"SM\">San Marino<\/option><option value=\"ST\">Sao Tome and Principe<\/option><option value=\"SA\">Saudi Arabia<\/option><option value=\"SN\">Senegal<\/option><option value=\"RS\">Serbia<\/option><option value=\"SC\">Seychelles<\/option><option value=\"SL\">Sierra Leone<\/option><option value=\"SG\">Singapore<\/option><option value=\"SK\">Slovakia<\/option><option value=\"SI\">Slovenia<\/option><option value=\"SB\">Solomon Islands<\/option><option value=\"ZA\">South Africa<\/option><option value=\"GS\">South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands<\/option><option value=\"KR\">South Korea<\/option><option value=\"ES\">Spain<\/option><option value=\"LK\">Sri Lanka<\/option><option value=\"SR\">Suriname<\/option><option value=\"SJ\">Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/option><option value=\"SZ\">Swaziland<\/option><option value=\"SE\">Sweden<\/option><option value=\"CH\">Switzerland<\/option><option value=\"TW\">Taiwan, Province of China<\/option><option value=\"TJ\">Tajikistan<\/option><option value=\"TZ\">Tanzania, United Republic of<\/option><option value=\"TH\">Thailand<\/option><option value=\"TL\">Timor-leste<\/option><option value=\"TG\">Togo<\/option><option value=\"TK\">Tokelau<\/option><option value=\"TO\">Tonga<\/option><option value=\"TT\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/option><option value=\"TN\">Tunisia<\/option><option value=\"TR\">Turkey<\/option><option value=\"TM\">Turkmenistan<\/option><option value=\"TC\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/option><option value=\"TV\">Tuvalu<\/option><option value=\"UG\">Uganda<\/option><option value=\"UA\">Ukraine<\/option><option value=\"AE\">United Arab Emirates<\/option><option value=\"UM\">United States Minor Outlying Islands<\/option><option value=\"UY\">Uruguay<\/option><option value=\"UZ\">Uzbekistan<\/option><option value=\"VU\">Vanuatu<\/option><option value=\"VE\">Venezuela<\/option><option value=\"VN\">Viet Nam<\/option><option value=\"VG\">Virgin Islands, British<\/option><option value=\"VI\">Virgin Islands, U.S.<\/option><option value=\"WF\">Wallis and Futuna<\/option><option value=\"EH\">Western Sahara<\/option><option value=\"YE\">Yemen<\/option><option value=\"ZM\">Zambia<\/option><\/select>                <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter email here\" name=\"email\" maxlength=\"100\" value=\"\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Email<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter phone here\" name=\"phone\" maxlength=\"12\" value=\"\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.phone\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Phone Number<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter username here\" name=\"username\" maxlength=\"100\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Username<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter address here\" name=\"address\" maxlength=\"100\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.address\"  autocomplete=\"off\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Address<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"row list image \" >\n                <span>Browse and upload image here <\/span>\n                                    <form method=\"post\">\n                        <input type=\"file\" name=\"image[]\" aria-label=\"Search an Image\" aria-required=\"true\" accept=\"image\/*\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.image_single\">\n                        <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Image<\/label>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"search_type\" value=\"4\" \/>\n                    <\/form>                \n                                    <div class=\"file-progress-wrapper\">\n                    <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"file-progress\">\n                        <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val anim\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/label>\n        \n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-2 text-center\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"go\"  data-js-r=\"search.go\">Search<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- Bulk -->\n       \n    <p class=\"respect-privacy\"><span class=\"si-secured-fill\"><\/span> We Respect Your Privacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script>\n    var uploaded_images = [];\n<\/script><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-verify-the-identity-of-someone-claiming-to-be-from-the-irs-or-a-tax-service\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Verify the Identity of Someone Claiming to Be from the IRS or a Tax Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the step most people skip and the one that matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether it is a caller claiming to be an IRS agent, an email from someone claiming to work in IRS collections, or a letter from a tax resolution company claiming they can fix your IRS problem, verifying the identity behind the contact is the most important protective action you can take before responding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is what Social Catfish can tell you about a contact claiming to be IRS-related:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether the <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\">phone number<\/a> they called from belongs to a real government operation or a known scam number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\">name<\/a> they gave you traces to a real person with a legitimate professional history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-email-address-search\/\">email address<\/a> they used is connected to a real business or a fraudulent domain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the tax resolution company they claim to represent is a legitimate operation or a fraud shell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether any of the contact details have been previously flagged in connection with scam activity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is especially important for tax resolution services companies that contact people claiming they can negotiate with the IRS on their behalf. The IRS itself lists these operations on its annual Dirty Dozen scam list. Before you pay an upfront fee, sign a power of attorney, or share your SSN with any company that contacted you unsolicited, run every piece of identifying information they gave you through Social Catfish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Run a free search on Social Catfish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-to-do-if-you-already-responded-to-a-fake-irs-contact\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to Do If You Already Responded to a Fake IRS Contact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-1250x833.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sean-lee-n8kmAFCMwhg-unsplash-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you submitted personal information, credentials, or money to a scammer posing as the IRS, act immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you shared your SSN or personal information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion immediately<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Request an IRS Identity Protection PIN at IRS.gov \u2014 this prevents anyone from filing a return using your SSN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor your IRS Online Account for any returns filed under your name that you did not submit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you entered credentials on a fake ID.me or IRS page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Change your ID.me password immediately<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enable multi-factor authentication if not already active<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact ID.me support to flag your account for review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you sent money:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contact your bank or financial institution immediately \u2014 wire transfers and gift card payments have almost no recovery path but reporting quickly is still essential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not send any additional money regardless of what the scammer tells you \u2014 any promise to recover your funds by sending more is itself a follow-up scam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Report through these official channels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forward suspicious emails to <a href=\"mailto:phishing@irs.gov\">phishing@irs.gov<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Report to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at tigta.gov<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>File with the FBI&#8217;s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782858537669\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>1. How do I know if an IRS email is real?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The IRS does not initiate contact by email. If you received an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS asking you to verify your identity, click a link, or confirm account details, it is a scam. Go directly to IRS.gov to check your account for any real notices. Forward the suspicious email to <a href=\"mailto:phishing@irs.gov\">phishing@irs.gov<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782858546490\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>2. Can I verify my identity for IRS online?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Go to idverify.irs.gov or through your IRS Online Account and sign in with ID.me. The self-service process takes 5 to 10 minutes with a government-issued photo ID, your SSN or ITIN, and a device with a working camera. If self-service fails, the video call option with a live ID.me agent is available.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782858554931\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>3. How do I verify an IRS phone number before calling back?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Find the official IRS number yourself at IRS.gov and call that directly rather than calling back any number given to you by a caller. To verify whether a specific number is legitimate before engaging, run it through <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\">Social Catfish<\/a>, a reverse phone search returns every identity and business connected to that number, and flags whether it is associated with known scam activity.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782858565055\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>4. What is the IRS verify identity number to call?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends on which letter you received. Letter 4883C: Call the Taxpayer Protection Program at 800-830-5084. Letter 5071C: Use idverify.irs.gov online or call the number printed on your specific letter. If you cannot find your letter, call 800-830-5084 and have your personal information and most recent tax return ready.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782858574810\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>5. How do I verify if a tax resolution company is legitimate?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The IRS lists predatory tax resolution services on its annual Dirty Dozen scam list. Before sharing any personal or financial information with a company that contacted you unsolicited, claiming they can help with your IRS issue, run their name, phone number, and email through Social Catfish to verify whether the company and its representatives are real and whether their contact details have been linked to known fraud.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"search_mb_2020 scfb_mb_search scfb_full_search blog_content_search\"> <div class=\"search-form-2020\"  data-js-r=\"search.form\">\n    <div class=\"row tabs-content\">\n        <div class=\"scf-tooltip-badge-target\" data-badge-number=\"1\" data-badge-position=\"badge-bl\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-3\">\n\n            <div class=\"tabs\" data-pause=\"false\">\n                <div class=\"dropdown-overlay\"  data-js-r=\"search.form.dropdown_overlay\"><\/div>\n                <a data-item=\"0\" data-type=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\" class=' active '><i class=\"si-user\"><\/i> <span>Name<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"1\" data-type=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-email-address-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-email\"><\/i> <span>Email<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"2\" data-type=\"3\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-phone\"><\/i> <span>Phone<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"3\" data-type=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-username-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-username\"><\/i> <span>Username<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"4\" data-type=\"5\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-address-check\/\" class=' address_search_menue '><i class=\"si-location\"><\/i> <span>Address<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"5\" data-type=\"4\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-image-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-image\"><\/i> <span>Image<\/span><\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-7\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.all\">\n            <div class=\"row list  active name-list\">\n                <div class=\"col-sm-6 border-rt\">\n                    <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter name here\" aria-label=\"Enter name here\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"100\" name=\"full_name\" aria-required=\"true\">\n                    <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here<\/label>\n                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-sm-6 si-triangle-down\">\n                    <select name=\"country\" ><option value=\"US\">United States<\/option><option value=\"CA\">Canada<\/option><option value=\"GB\">United Kingdom<\/option><option value=\"AF\">Afghanistan<\/option><option value=\"AX\">\u00c5land Islands<\/option><option value=\"AL\">Albania<\/option><option value=\"DZ\">Algeria<\/option><option value=\"AS\">American Samoa<\/option><option value=\"AD\">Andorra<\/option><option value=\"AO\">Angola<\/option><option value=\"AI\">Anguilla<\/option><option value=\"AQ\">Antarctica<\/option><option value=\"AG\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/option><option value=\"AR\">Argentina<\/option><option value=\"AM\">Armenia<\/option><option value=\"AW\">Aruba<\/option><option value=\"AU\">Australia<\/option><option value=\"AT\">Austria<\/option><option value=\"AZ\">Azerbaijan<\/option><option value=\"BS\">Bahamas<\/option><option value=\"BH\">Bahrain<\/option><option value=\"BD\">Bangladesh<\/option><option value=\"BB\">Barbados<\/option><option value=\"BE\">Belgium<\/option><option value=\"BZ\">Belize<\/option><option value=\"BJ\">Benin<\/option><option value=\"BM\">Bermuda<\/option><option value=\"BT\">Bhutan<\/option><option value=\"BO\">Bolivia<\/option><option value=\"BA\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/option><option value=\"BW\">Botswana<\/option><option value=\"BV\">Bouvet Island<\/option><option value=\"BR\">Brazil<\/option><option value=\"IO\">British Indian Ocean Territory<\/option><option value=\"BN\">Brunei Darussalam<\/option><option value=\"BG\">Bulgaria<\/option><option value=\"BF\">Burkina Faso<\/option><option value=\"BI\">Burundi<\/option><option value=\"KH\">Cambodia<\/option><option value=\"CM\">Cameroon<\/option><option value=\"CV\">Cape Verde<\/option><option value=\"KY\">Cayman Islands<\/option><option value=\"CF\">Central African Republic<\/option><option value=\"TD\">Chad<\/option><option value=\"CL\">Chile<\/option><option value=\"CN\">China<\/option><option value=\"CX\">Christmas Island<\/option><option value=\"CC\">Cocos (Keeling) Islands<\/option><option value=\"CO\">Colombia<\/option><option value=\"KM\">Comoros<\/option><option value=\"CK\">Cook Islands<\/option><option value=\"CR\">Costa Rica<\/option><option value=\"HR\">Croatia<\/option><option value=\"CY\">Cyprus<\/option><option value=\"CZ\">Czech Republic<\/option><option value=\"DK\">Denmark<\/option><option value=\"DJ\">Djibouti<\/option><option value=\"DM\">Dominica<\/option><option value=\"DO\">Dominican Republic<\/option><option value=\"EC\">Ecuador<\/option><option value=\"EG\">Egypt<\/option><option value=\"SV\">El Salvador<\/option><option value=\"GQ\">Equatorial Guinea<\/option><option value=\"ER\">Eritrea<\/option><option value=\"EE\">Estonia<\/option><option value=\"ET\">Ethiopia<\/option><option value=\"FK\">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)<\/option><option value=\"FO\">Faroe Islands<\/option><option value=\"FJ\">Fiji<\/option><option value=\"FI\">Finland<\/option><option value=\"FR\">France<\/option><option value=\"GF\">French Guiana<\/option><option value=\"PF\">French Polynesia<\/option><option value=\"TF\">French Southern Territories<\/option><option value=\"GA\">Gabon<\/option><option value=\"GM\">Gambia<\/option><option value=\"GE\">Georgia<\/option><option value=\"DE\">Germany<\/option><option value=\"GH\">Ghana<\/option><option value=\"GI\">Gibraltar<\/option><option value=\"GR\">Greece<\/option><option value=\"GL\">Greenland<\/option><option value=\"GD\">Grenada<\/option><option value=\"GP\">Guadeloupe<\/option><option value=\"GU\">Guam<\/option><option value=\"GT\">Guatemala<\/option><option value=\"GG\">Guernsey<\/option><option value=\"GN\">Guinea<\/option><option value=\"GW\">Guinea-bissau<\/option><option value=\"GY\">Guyana<\/option><option value=\"HT\">Haiti<\/option><option value=\"HM\">Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands<\/option><option value=\"VA\">Holy See (Vatican City State)<\/option><option value=\"HN\">Honduras<\/option><option value=\"HK\">Hong Kong<\/option><option value=\"HU\">Hungary<\/option><option value=\"IS\">Iceland<\/option><option value=\"IN\">India<\/option><option value=\"ID\">Indonesia<\/option><option value=\"IE\">Ireland<\/option><option value=\"IM\">Isle of Man<\/option><option value=\"IL\">Israel<\/option><option value=\"IT\">Italy<\/option><option value=\"JM\">Jamaica<\/option><option value=\"JP\">Japan<\/option><option value=\"JE\">Jersey<\/option><option value=\"JO\">Jordan<\/option><option value=\"KZ\">Kazakhstan<\/option><option value=\"KE\">Kenya<\/option><option value=\"KI\">Kiribati<\/option><option value=\"KW\">Kuwait<\/option><option value=\"KG\">Kyrgyzstan<\/option><option value=\"LA\">Lao People's Democratic Republic<\/option><option value=\"LV\">Latvia<\/option><option value=\"LS\">Lesotho<\/option><option value=\"LI\">Liechtenstein<\/option><option value=\"LT\">Lithuania<\/option><option value=\"LU\">Luxembourg<\/option><option value=\"MO\">Macao<\/option><option value=\"MK\">Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MG\">Madagascar<\/option><option value=\"MW\">Malawi<\/option><option value=\"MY\">Malaysia<\/option><option value=\"MV\">Maldives<\/option><option value=\"ML\">Mali<\/option><option value=\"MT\">Malta<\/option><option value=\"MH\">Marshall Islands<\/option><option value=\"MQ\">Martinique<\/option><option value=\"MR\">Mauritania<\/option><option value=\"MU\">Mauritius<\/option><option value=\"YT\">Mayotte<\/option><option value=\"MX\">Mexico<\/option><option value=\"FM\">Micronesia, Federated States of<\/option><option value=\"MD\">Moldova, Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MC\">Monaco<\/option><option value=\"MN\">Mongolia<\/option><option value=\"ME\">Montenegro<\/option><option value=\"MS\">Montserrat<\/option><option value=\"MA\">Morocco<\/option><option value=\"MZ\">Mozambique<\/option><option value=\"NA\">Namibia<\/option><option value=\"NR\">Nauru<\/option><option value=\"NP\">Nepal<\/option><option value=\"NL\">Netherlands<\/option><option value=\"AN\">Netherlands Antilles<\/option><option value=\"NC\">New Caledonia<\/option><option value=\"NZ\">New Zealand<\/option><option value=\"NI\">Nicaragua<\/option><option value=\"NE\">Niger<\/option><option value=\"NG\">Nigeria<\/option><option value=\"NU\">Niue<\/option><option value=\"NF\">Norfolk Island<\/option><option value=\"MP\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option><option value=\"NO\">Norway<\/option><option value=\"OM\">Oman<\/option><option value=\"PK\">Pakistan<\/option><option value=\"PW\">Palau<\/option><option value=\"PS\">Palestinian Territory, Occupied<\/option><option value=\"PA\">Panama<\/option><option value=\"PG\">Papua New Guinea<\/option><option value=\"PY\">Paraguay<\/option><option value=\"PE\">Peru<\/option><option value=\"PH\">Philippines<\/option><option value=\"PN\">Pitcairn<\/option><option value=\"PL\">Poland<\/option><option value=\"PT\">Portugal<\/option><option value=\"PR\">Puerto Rico<\/option><option value=\"QA\">Qatar<\/option><option value=\"RE\">Reunion<\/option><option value=\"RO\">Romania<\/option><option value=\"RU\">Russian Federation<\/option><option value=\"RW\">Rwanda<\/option><option value=\"SH\">Saint Helena<\/option><option value=\"KN\">Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/option><option value=\"LC\">Saint Lucia<\/option><option value=\"PM\">Saint Pierre and Miquelon<\/option><option value=\"VC\">Saint Vincent and The Grenadines<\/option><option value=\"WS\">Samoa<\/option><option value=\"SM\">San Marino<\/option><option value=\"ST\">Sao Tome and Principe<\/option><option value=\"SA\">Saudi Arabia<\/option><option value=\"SN\">Senegal<\/option><option value=\"RS\">Serbia<\/option><option value=\"SC\">Seychelles<\/option><option value=\"SL\">Sierra Leone<\/option><option value=\"SG\">Singapore<\/option><option value=\"SK\">Slovakia<\/option><option value=\"SI\">Slovenia<\/option><option value=\"SB\">Solomon Islands<\/option><option value=\"ZA\">South Africa<\/option><option value=\"GS\">South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands<\/option><option value=\"KR\">South Korea<\/option><option value=\"ES\">Spain<\/option><option value=\"LK\">Sri Lanka<\/option><option value=\"SR\">Suriname<\/option><option value=\"SJ\">Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/option><option value=\"SZ\">Swaziland<\/option><option value=\"SE\">Sweden<\/option><option value=\"CH\">Switzerland<\/option><option value=\"TW\">Taiwan, Province of China<\/option><option value=\"TJ\">Tajikistan<\/option><option value=\"TZ\">Tanzania, United Republic of<\/option><option value=\"TH\">Thailand<\/option><option value=\"TL\">Timor-leste<\/option><option value=\"TG\">Togo<\/option><option value=\"TK\">Tokelau<\/option><option value=\"TO\">Tonga<\/option><option value=\"TT\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/option><option value=\"TN\">Tunisia<\/option><option value=\"TR\">Turkey<\/option><option value=\"TM\">Turkmenistan<\/option><option value=\"TC\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/option><option value=\"TV\">Tuvalu<\/option><option value=\"UG\">Uganda<\/option><option value=\"UA\">Ukraine<\/option><option value=\"AE\">United Arab Emirates<\/option><option value=\"UM\">United States Minor Outlying Islands<\/option><option value=\"UY\">Uruguay<\/option><option value=\"UZ\">Uzbekistan<\/option><option value=\"VU\">Vanuatu<\/option><option value=\"VE\">Venezuela<\/option><option value=\"VN\">Viet Nam<\/option><option value=\"VG\">Virgin Islands, British<\/option><option value=\"VI\">Virgin Islands, U.S.<\/option><option value=\"WF\">Wallis and Futuna<\/option><option value=\"EH\">Western Sahara<\/option><option value=\"YE\">Yemen<\/option><option value=\"ZM\">Zambia<\/option><\/select>                <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter email here\" name=\"email\" maxlength=\"100\" value=\"\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Email<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter phone here\" name=\"phone\" maxlength=\"12\" value=\"\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.phone\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Phone Number<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter username here\" name=\"username\" maxlength=\"100\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Username<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter address here\" name=\"address\" maxlength=\"100\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.address\"  autocomplete=\"off\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Address<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"row list image \" >\n                <span>Browse and upload image here <\/span>\n                                    <form method=\"post\">\n                        <input type=\"file\" name=\"image[]\" aria-label=\"Search an Image\" aria-required=\"true\" accept=\"image\/*\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.image_single\">\n                        <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Image<\/label>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"search_type\" value=\"4\" \/>\n                    <\/form>                \n                                    <div class=\"file-progress-wrapper\">\n                    <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"file-progress\">\n                        <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val anim\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/label>\n        \n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-2 text-center\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"go\"  data-js-r=\"search.go\">Search<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- Bulk -->\n       \n    <p class=\"respect-privacy\"><span class=\"si-secured-fill\"><\/span> We Respect Your Privacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script>\n    var uploaded_images = [];\n<\/script><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The IRS named impersonation scams the number one tax threat of 2026. Bolster AI identified 152 new IRS-themed domains registered this year alone, with 82% already actively malicious. If you received an email, text, phone call, or letter claiming to be from the IRS and you are not certain it is real, this guide tells [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":41372,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41371","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scams"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/vitalii-abakumov-3aqZ1qXz8A4-unsplash-scaled.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Shivam Naidu","author_link":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/author\/shivam\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>IRS Verify Identity: Step by Step Instructions and Scam Warnings for 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Verify your identity with the IRS using ID.me step by step. Fix common failures and spot fake IRS identity scams before they steal your data\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"IRS Verify Identity: Step by Step Instructions and Scam Warnings for 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Verify your identity with the IRS using ID.me step by step. 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How do I know if an IRS email is real?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The IRS does not initiate contact by email. If you received an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS asking you to verify your identity, click a link, or confirm account details, it is a scam. Go directly to IRS.gov to check your account for any real notices. Forward the suspicious email to <a href=\"mailto:phishing@irs.gov\">phishing@irs.gov<\/a>.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/#faq-question-1782858546490","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/#faq-question-1782858546490","name":"2. Can I verify my identity for IRS online?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Go to idverify.irs.gov or through your IRS Online Account and sign in with ID.me. The self-service process takes 5 to 10 minutes with a government-issued photo ID, your SSN or ITIN, and a device with a working camera. If self-service fails, the video call option with a live ID.me agent is available.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/#faq-question-1782858554931","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/#faq-question-1782858554931","name":"3. How do I verify an IRS phone number before calling back?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Find the official IRS number yourself at IRS.gov and call that directly rather than calling back any number given to you by a caller. To verify whether a specific number is legitimate before engaging, run it through <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\">Social Catfish<\/a>, a reverse phone search returns every identity and business connected to that number, and flags whether it is associated with known scam activity.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/#faq-question-1782858565055","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/#faq-question-1782858565055","name":"4. What is the IRS verify identity number to call?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It depends on which letter you received. Letter 4883C: Call the Taxpayer Protection Program at 800-830-5084. Letter 5071C: Use idverify.irs.gov online or call the number printed on your specific letter. If you cannot find your letter, call 800-830-5084 and have your personal information and most recent tax return ready.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/#faq-question-1782858574810","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/irs-verify-identity\/#faq-question-1782858574810","name":"5. How do I verify if a tax resolution company is legitimate?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The IRS lists predatory tax resolution services on its annual Dirty Dozen scam list. Before sharing any personal or financial information with a company that contacted you unsolicited, claiming they can help with your IRS issue, run their name, phone number, and email through Social Catfish to verify whether the company and its representatives are real and whether their contact details have been linked to known fraud.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41371","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41371"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41371\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41376,"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41371\/revisions\/41376"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41372"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41371"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41371"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}