The IRS contacts taxpayers in a variety of ways, but scammers and thieves often impersonate the IRS to commit fraud. It’s important to understand how the real IRS operates – through mail, phone calls, and in-person visits – so you can identify any suspicious communications that may be IRS imposters attempting to steal money or personal information.

According to the IRS, “The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. However, there are circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business.” Even for legitimate contacts though, the IRS typically mails several written notices before calling or visiting in person.

If someone contacts you claiming to be the IRS, carefully verify their credentials and ID before providing any sensitive information. The IRS states IRS revenue agents, officers, and criminal investigators “always carry two forms of official identification” that you can examine closely.

Be on high alert for scammers who use intimidation tactics like demanding immediate payment while refusing to provide documentation, threatening arrest or other extreme actions, or requiring unusual payment types. If you suspect an IRS impersonation scam, report it immediately to help authorities stop fraudsters from stealing from additional victims.