Tax Relief and Resolution Agency Scam Calls: How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself

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Tax Relief and Resolution Agency scam calls are on the rise, with fraudsters impersonating tax relief services to steal money and personal data. Learn how these scams work, red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself.

What Are Tax Relief and Resolution Agency Scam Calls?

Fraudsters are making unsolicited calls claiming to be from a Tax Relief and Resolution Agency or similar‑sounding organizations (e.g., Tax Help and Resolution Agency, Tax Solutions and Review Agency, Tax Relief Group). These scams often use official phrases and threatening language to make you think you have an urgent tax issue that must be resolved immediately. In reality, there is no legitimate government or recognized private agency that contacts taxpayers this way about unresolved tax problems. Online Threat Alerts (OTA)+1

Scammers may use spoofed phone numbers, fake contact names, or voicemail messages to sound real — but their aim is to get you to call back, provide personal details, or pay for fake services. Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

How These Scam Calls Typically Work

Scammers use a variety of tactics to pressure or trick you into responding:

They leave an urgent voicemail claiming there are “flagged issues” with your tax account and that immediate action is required. Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
They provide a callback number that appears official but actually connects you to the scammer. MalwareTips Forums
Once you call back, they demand personal information (such as your Social Security number or tax ID) or payment for fraudulent relief services. MalwareTips Forums
Scammers may rotate caller names and organizations to make the scheme seem more legitimate or harder to trace. MalwareTips Forums

Why These Calls Are Scams

Legitimate tax authorities do not operate this way.

Official Tax Authorities Never:

Contact you via unsolicited calls about owed taxes without first sending a written notice through the mail. IRS
Demand immediate payment over the phone or specify unusual payment methods (like prepaid cards or gift cards). IRS
Use threatening language to force you to act without explanation. IRS

For example, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States clearly states that it will first mail you a bill if you owe taxes and it will never demand payment through unconventional methods or threaten arrest. IRS

Likewise, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the UK warns that unexpected calls, especially those asking for sensitive information or payments, are almost always scams and should not be trusted. GOV.UK

Red Flags: How to Spot a Tax Scam Call

If you receive a call like this, watch out for the following warning signs:

1. Vague or threatening language

Calls that reference unresolved tax issues without specifics, like tax year or official notice number.
Threats of penalties, arrest, or legal action if you don’t act immediately.

2. Request for payment or personal information

Asking you to pay with gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods.
Pressuring you to share your Social Security number, bank details, or login credentials.

3. Unsolicited or spoofed calls

They contact you without prior official notice.
The caller ID may appear legitimate but is actually spoofed.

4. Multiple caller names or agency titles

Scammers often use various agency names to avoid detection and to confuse the victim. MalwareTips Forums

What to Do If You Get a Suspected Scam Call

If you receive one of these fraudulent calls:

1. Hang up immediately
Do not call the number back or engage with the caller.

2. Do not provide personal or financial information
No legitimate tax authority will demand such information on an unsolicited call.

3. Verify independently
If you are concerned about your tax status, contact the official tax authority directly (e.g., through IRS.gov or HMRC’s official website). Do not use any contact information the caller gave you.

4. Report the scam

In the U.S., you can report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). IRS
Forward suspect tax scam emails to phishing@irs.gov in the U.S., or report to your national tax authority’s official fraud email. IRS
In the UK, suspicious tax calls, emails, or texts can be reported to HMRC (e.g., phishing@hmrc.gov.uk). GOV.UK

5. Block and ignore repeated numbers
Scammers often call from many different numbers, but blocking can help reduce the volume. Seriously consider not answering unknown numbers.

Legitimate Ways to Handle Tax Problems or Relief

If you believe you truly owe taxes or need assistance, always use official channels:

Visit the official IRS website: https://www.irs.gov
Login to your secure tax account rather than responding to phone callers.
Consult a certified tax professional such as a CPA or enrolled agent.

You can also find information about legitimate tax relief options such as offers in compromise or payment plans on the IRS website.

Conclusion

Tax Relief and Resolution Agency scam calls are a widespread form of fraud that prey on fear, urgency, and confusion. By understanding the red flags and knowing how official tax authorities communicate, you can protect your personal information and finances from scammers. Always verify independently, avoid giving out sensitive data, and report suspicious calls to the appropriate authorities.

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