The IRS is urging taxpayers to be extra cautious this holiday season as gift card scams continue to rise. While scammers target people year-round, the increase in holiday gift giving makes this time of year especially risky. Since 2019, the IRS has received more than 1,000 gift card phishing emails, many of which do not mention the IRS at all.
The most important reminder is simple: The IRS will never request or accept gift cards as payment for taxes.
Common Holiday Gift Card Scams
Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, but during the holidays they often:
- Request gift cards by phone, email, text message, or social media
- Pretend to be an IRS agent and claim the taxpayer is involved in criminal activity
- Demand immediate payment for a fake tax penalty
- Tell victims to buy multiple gift cards from different stores
- Ask for the gift card number and PIN after purchase
These tactics are designed to create fear and urgency, pushing victims to act quickly before stopping to ask questions.
How to Know If It’s Really the IRS
The IRS will never:
- Demand immediate payment or request specific payment methods, including gift cards or wire transfers
- Contact you about taxes without sending an official letter first
- Threaten arrest, deportation, or license suspension
- Demand payment without giving you the chance to question or appeal the amount
Remember: real IRS communication always includes your rights as a taxpayer.
What to Do If You’re Targeted
If you believe you’ve been contacted by a scammer:
- Report phone scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484 or online
- Report phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov
- Report fraud attempts to the Federal Trade Commission
Protecting your personal information — and staying cautious — is the best way to prevent financial loss during the holidays.
Leave a Reply