What threats might IRS imposters use to intimidate victims?

IRS imposters often resort to intimidation tactics to manipulate victims into providing personal information or financial resources. One common method is the use of threats of arrest or deportation. This is particularly effective because it preys on individuals’ fears of legal consequences and the serious implications that could follow, such as being taken into custody or being deported from the country. This tactic is designed to create panic and urgency, compelling victims to comply with the imposters’ demands in the hope of avoiding these dire outcomes.

While threats related to identity theft, credit score reduction, and losing bank accounts are indeed concerning, they generally do not evoke the same level of immediate fear or urgency as threats of arrest or deportation. The latter exploits a strong emotional response, making it a favored tactic among scammers targeting vulnerable individuals. Thus, the effectiveness of this intimidation method marks it as a significant threat employed by imposters.