BBB Scam Alert: Receive a call from someone offering tax relief? It could be a scam

BBB wants you to be aware of a phishing scam claiming to offer tax relief. Learn how the scam works, warning signs, and how to protect your personal info.

Remember Jessica from the loan processing company? She switched careers!

This time, she’s claiming to be from “US Tax Consultants” and is leaving urgent voicemails about back taxes and missed filings. While her new job may sound impressive, it’s still a scam designed to steal your personal information.

What you'll learn:

How a tax relief scam works
How to spot a tax relief scam
Tips to avoid the scam and how to report it

How the scam works

You may receive a call or voicemail from someone claiming to be from a tax relief company, saying they’re following up on back taxes or missed filings and that this may be their only attempt to reach you. They provide a callback number and sometimes reference an account or partial phone number to make the message seem legitimate. The voicemail emphasizes immediate action, pressuring you to call before a supposed deadline to resolve tax issues, request penalty waivers, or enroll in relief programs.

Even though Jessica seems determined to help, returning the call could put your personal and financial information at risk. Scammers use urgency and official-sounding details to make the message convincing, often seeking Social Security numbers, bank account info, or other sensitive data.

How the scam works

Verify the company's legitimacy.

Contact the IRS if in the U.S. or the CRA if in Canada, or your tax professional directly if you receive a call about taxes you don’t recognize.

Concerned young woman using smart phone in a living room

Watch for "too good to be true" relief offers.

Scammers may promise to eliminate penalties or dramatically reduce what you owe—these claims are usually false.

While organizing home finances, woman using mobile phone to calculate

Never pay upfront for tax relief services.

Legitimate programs or certified tax professionals do not demand payment before providing assistance.

Embroidered red pins on a calendar event Planner calendar,clock to set timetable organize schedule,planning for business meeting or travel planning concept.

Be cautious with urgent deadlines.

Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting without verifying the claim.

Take advantage of everything technology has to offer

Protect your personal information.

Never provide Social Security numbers, bank account details, or other sensitive data to unsolicited callers.

Mockup image of a woman holding and showing white mobile phone with blank black desktop screen to someone

Report suspicious tax solicitations.

You can report scam calls to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker and the IRS at IRS.gov/TaxScams or to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Even though Jessica is working hard at her new gig, don’t let her trick you—hang up or ignore and protect your information.

For more information

See BBB’s 10 steps to avoid scams.

Learn how to protect yourself from tax scams.

Visit BBB’s tax tips and resources page for more.

Find BBB Accredited tax consultants and tax return preparers near you.