If you’ve received a call or letter from someone claiming to collect back taxes on behalf of the IRS, your first instinct might be panic. But before you hand over any information, or money, it’s crucial to know how to separate legitimate IRS debt collectors from scammers.

Unfortunately, tax scams are common, especially during tax season or when individuals are facing financial stress. The good news? The IRS works with only a few authorized private collection agencies, and spotting a scam is easier when you know what to look for.

Quick Takeaways:

• The IRS uses only three authorized private collection agencies: CBE Group, Coast Professional, and ConServe.
• You’ll always receive a letter from the IRS first before a legitimate agency contacts you.
• Legit agencies won’t ask for gift cards, threaten arrest, or message you on social media.
• And they will never ask you for personal bank or financial information.
• You can call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 to verify any contact.
• If it feels wrong, look into it first. Use https://www.tigta.gov/irs-scam-resources,
• https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams, or https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams

What agencies are legitimate?

As of now, the IRS has contracted only the following three private agencies to collect certain overdue federal tax debts. If you are contacted by anyone other than one of these companies, it’s a scam.

1. CBE Group Inc.
P.O. Box 2217
Waterloo, IA 50704
800-910-5837

2. Coast Professional, Inc.
P.O. Box 425
Geneseo, NY 14454
888-928-0510

3. ConServe
P.O. Box 307
Fairport, NY 14450
844-853-4875

How to Verify a Collector’s Legitimacy

Before any private agency contacts you, the IRS will first send you a letter letting you know your account has been transferred to one of these collectors. The agency will then follow up with its own letter (never a phone call first).

If you're unsure, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 to verify the legitimacy of the debt and the agency handling it. You can also request your account history through the IRS website to confirm any outstanding tax liabilities. Use https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals, https://www.irs.gov/businesses/business-tax-account

Red Flags That Signal a Scam

Here are some classic warning signs of a tax debt collection scam:

• Demanding payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Threats of arrest, deportation, or license revocation
• Unsolicited emails or social media messages
• Aggressive tactics or refusal to provide written documentation
• Refusal to let you hang up and call back on an official line

Legitimate IRS-contracted agencies will never use these tactics.

How to Protect Your Data

• Never give out personal or financial information.
• Keep records of all communication, including letters, phone numbers, and names of individuals you spoke with.
• Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity.

If something feels off, trust your gut and verify before responding.

If You Suspect a Scam

If you’ve received a suspicious call, letter, or message:

• Do not respond or share any personal information.
• Report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at www.treasury.gov/tigta or by calling 800-366-4484.
• Report phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

FAQs

How do I know if I really owe back taxes?
Log in to your IRS account at irs.gov or call 800-829-1040 to review your account balance.

Can the IRS email or text me about collections?
No. The IRS and its collectors will never initiate contact via email, text, or social media.

I already gave info to someone I now suspect was a scammer. What should I do?
Contact the IRS, TIGTA, and FTC immediately using the links we provided. Also consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report. Contact the credit bureaus for more information.

Do IRS-authorized debt collectors ever show up in person?
No. Authorized collection agencies do not make in-person visits.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Don’t let a scam take your peace of mind.

Have questions about IRS notices or tax debt? Start a conversation with us by filling out the form below, we’re here to help you navigate with confidence.