What is a common tactic used by IRS imposters on phone calls?

IRS imposters often use the tactic of demanding immediate payment as a way to instill fear and urgency in their victims. They may claim that the target owes back taxes or fees and pressure them into making a payment right away, often instructing them to use untraceable methods such as wire transfers or gift cards. This tactic exploits the victim's fear of legal consequences, making them more likely to comply without taking the time to verify the legitimacy of the call.

The other choices do not effectively capture the alarming and aggressive methods used by these scammers. While offering free tax advice might sound appealing, it is not a method typically associated with imposters, who aim for quick financial gain rather than providing help. Scheduling future appointments tends to imply a more legitimate interaction and is not a common strategy for scammers, who usually seek to resolve matters immediately. Discussing personal investment opportunities can be a form of scam, but it diverges from the immediate financial coercion typically seen with IRS impersonation, which focuses on creating pressure for payment rather than investment dialogue.