IRS Scam: How Robert Lost $83,000 Over 18 Months
Robert’s Story
Robert, 74, from Florida, first received a call in January 2025 from someone claiming to be from the IRS.
“You owe $22,000 in back taxes. If you don’t pay immediately, we will have you arrested and your Social Security benefits will be garnished.”
Robert was terrified. He had always paid his taxes. He didn’t remember owing anything.
Over the next 18 months, Robert paid $83,000 in gift cards, wire transfers, and prepaid debit cards to scammers who called him dozens of times.
They never stopped. Once they knew he would pay, they called weekly. Sometimes daily.
How the Scam Worked
Phase 1: Initial Contact
Robert received a call from someone claiming to be “Agent Martinez” from the IRS. The caller ID showed “IRS” (scammers can spoof phone numbers).
The automated voice said: “This is a final notice from the Internal Revenue Service. Failure to call back immediately will result in immediate arrest warrant issuance.”
Phase 2: Building Fear
When Robert called back, “Agent Martinez” was very polite at first. He explained that Robert owed back taxes from 2018-2020. He said if Robert paid immediately, the matter would be resolved.
He gave Robert a “case number” and “verification code” to make it sound official.
Phase 3: The Payments Begin
Robert was told to buy gift cards (Google Play, iTunes, Best Buy) and read the codes over the phone. This is how he sent his first $2,000.
Phase 4: Escalation
Six months later, “Agent Martinez” called back. He said the original payment didn’t clear and Robert owed an additional $15,000 in “penalties.”
Then another caller claimed to be from the FBI. Then the “US Marshals.” They all had different stories but one message: pay or go to jail.
The Numbers
| Payment | Amount | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | $2,000 | Gift cards |
| Month 3 | $8,500 | Wire transfer |
| Month 6 | $15,000 | Prepaid debit cards |
| Month 12 | $32,500 | Multiple gift cards |
| Month 18 | $25,000 | Cryptocurrency |
| TOTAL | $83,000 |
What Made It Work
- Authority - IRS, FBI, US Marshals - these carry weight
- Fear - “Arrest warrant” creates panic
- Specific details - Case numbers, social security partial, addresses
- Persistence - They called until they got every dollar they could
- Isolation - They told Robert not to tell anyone, that it was “confidential”
The Real IRS Does NOT:
- ❌ Call demanding immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or Bitcoin
- ❌ Threaten arrest without first sending written notice by mail
- ❌ Ask for credit card numbers over the phone
- ❌ Demand payment without allowing you to question or appeal
- ❌ Call you about taxes you “owe” without having contacted you by mail first
Robert’s Warning
“I’m a smart man. I served in the military. I raised a family. But when that phone rings and someone says you’re going to jail… your brain stops working. I believed every word they said.”
Robert now speaks at senior centers about these scams.
If You Get a Call
- HANG UP
- The real IRS sends letters - demanding phone calls are scams
- Call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to verify
- Never buy gift cards for anyone who calls you
- Tell someone you trust - isolation is part of the scam
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