While Americans are sorting through paperwork to get their taxes filed in time, scammers are working overtime to grab a piece of the action.
As tax season ramps up, so does scam activity. Our telemetry shows a spike in robocalls impersonating tax resolution firms, tax relief agencies, and vaguely named “assistance centers.” These calls are designed to create urgency, fear, and confusion in the hope of pushing recipients to call back before they have time to think critically.
These robocalls typically try to collect personal information, pressure victims into paying fake tax debts, or funnel them into questionable tax-relief services.
Below are transcripts of two recent voicemail examples submitted by anonymized Scam Guard users that illustrate how these scams operate.
The scripts: different names, similar playbook
Voicemail #1
“Hi, this is <REDACTED_NAME> calling on March 3rd from the eligibility support and review division at the tax resolution assistance center. I’m contacting you because your account remains under active confirmation review. There is still an opportunity to verify your standing while this evaluation period remains open. To make this simple, we provide a direct proprietary verification line with no weight, allowing immediate access to clear and accurate information. This verification step is brief and focused strictly on determining current eligibility and available options. Please call back at 888-919-9743. Again, 888-919-9743. If this message reached you in error, please call back and press 3 to be removed”
Characteristics:
- Claims to be from an “eligibility support and review division at the tax resolution assistance center.”
- Says your “account remains under active confirmation review.”
- Offers a “direct proprietary verification line.”
- Urges quick action while the “evaluation period remains open.”
- Provides a callback number and an opt-out option.
Voicemail #2
“Hi, this is <REDACTED_NAME> with professional tax associates. Today is Tuesday March 3rd. I’m calling to follow up on back taxes and missed filings. This may be our only attempt to reach you, and due to new resolution programs that are available for a limited time, we highly recommend you give us a call today. This will be your best opportunity to get a fresh start before it becomes a bigger and permanent issue. Please call us back today at 8338204216 again 8338204216. If you’ve already resolved this issue. You may disregard this message or call back using the number on your caller ID to opt out. Thank you. If you were reached in error or wish to stop future outreach, please press 8 now and you will be removed from future outreach. Thank you and we look forward to assisting you. “
Characteristics:
- Claims to be with “professional tax associates.”
- References “back taxes and missed filings.”
- Warns this “may be our only attempt to reach you.”
- Mentions “new resolution programs available for a limited time.”
- Provides a callback number and opt-out instructions.
What these robocalls have in common
While the wording differs slightly, the structure and psychological tactics are nearly identical.
Both messages use generic but authoritative language:
- “Eligibility support and review division”
- “Tax resolution assistance center”
- “Professional tax associates”
These names sound legitimate but don’t identify a specific, verifiable company. Scammers often rely on institutional-sounding phrases to create credibility without providing any real details.
Both messages also reference vague “account” problems, but neither voicemail mentions:
- Your name
- A specific tax year
- A case number
- A known agency like the IRS
Instead, they reference:
- “Active confirmation review”
- “Back taxes and missed filings”
- “Eligibility and available options”
This vagueness is intentional. It allows the same robocall script to target thousands of people, regardless of their actual tax situation.
What you will always see with scams is urgency. Both calls attempt to rush the recipient into action:
- “There is still an opportunity… while this evaluation period remains open.”
- “This may be our only attempt to reach you.”
- “Limited time resolution programs.”
- “Call today.”
Creating urgency reduces the likelihood that someone will pause, research the number, or consult a trusted source.
The second voicemail includes the promise of a “fresh start before it becomes a bigger and permanent issue.” This is a common emotional hook, blending fear (a permanent problem) with hope (a fresh start), which can encourage impulsive callbacks.
Both messages push recipients to call a direct number rather than referencing an official website or established contact method. Legitimate tax agencies, including the IRS, do not initiate contact through unsolicited robocalls asking you to call back immediately.
Both scripts include instructions like:
- “Press 3 to be removed.”
- “Press 8 now and you will be removed.”
- “Call back using the number on your caller ID to opt out.”
These opt-out options create an illusion of compliance and legitimacy. In reality, pressing numbers or calling back can confirm that your phone number is active, which may lead to more scam calls.
How to stay safe
Knowing how to identify scam calls is an important step. So, here are some key red flags to watch for:
- No personalization
- Vague agency names
- Pressure to act immediately
- Threat of missed opportunity
- Promises of relief without verification
- Instructions to call back a random 800/833/888 number
- Robotic or heavily scripted tone
If a message checks at least one of these boxes, it is very likely not legitimate.
- Before calling a number, verify it by visiting the official site directly.
- Beware of unsolicited phone calls or emails, especially those that ask you to act immediately. Government agencies will not call out of the blue to demand sensitive personal or financial information.
- Never provide sensitive personal information such as your bank account, charge card, or Social Security number over unverified channels. Instead use a secure method such as your online account or another application on IRS.gov.
- Report scams to the IRS to help others.
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