How do IRS imposters typically operate in phone scams?

IRS imposters typically operate in phone scams by posing as IRS agents and making aggressive demands for payment through unconventional means, such as gift cards. This method takes advantage of the fear that individuals have regarding tax obligations and potential legal repercussions. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming that the victim owes back taxes and that failure to pay immediately will result in penalties such as arrest or legal action.

By requesting payment in gift cards, scammers can avoid leaving a traceable financial trail, making it harder for authorities to recover the funds or track them down. This tactic relies on the emotional manipulation of victims, who may be overwhelmed by fear and pressure, leading them to comply without questioning the legitimacy of the request.

The other options reflect tactics that are less common in IRS impersonation scams. For instance, asking for personal information via email is more typical of phishing attempts. Offering tax deductions for a fee is not a common strategy for such scams, as legitimate IRS functions do not charge for tax deductions. Providing refunds directly through checks is also not a method used by imposters, as legitimate IRS procedures do not involve unsolicited refunds in this manner.