The phone rings, you let it go to voicemail, and a minute later you see the transcript.
“Hi it’s Monica Fairchild… calling from the resolution escalation office at the tax solutions and review agency… your account has been flagged for immediate follow up due to unresolved activity…”
It sounds formal, almost rehearsed, like it came from a real department with real authority. And the words are designed to land hard: “flagged,” “immediate,” “unresolved.”
For a moment, your brain fills in the blanks on its own. IRS. Garnishment. Trouble.
That moment of panic is exactly what the Tax Solutions scam phone calls are built for. They do not need proof you owe anything. They just need you to call back.
Scam Overview
What “Tax Solutions” scam calls actually are
Tax Solutions scam phone calls are a category of impersonation and lead-generation fraud where scammers pretend to represent a tax relief organization, a “resolution escalation office,” a “tax solutions and review agency,” or a fake “tax resolution team.”
Sometimes they claim to be connected to the IRS. Other times they carefully avoid saying “IRS” directly, but they use IRS-sounding language so you assume it. In many cases, the name is intentionally generic, because it can fit any script, any state, and any victim.
The core pitch is always the same:
Your account has been “flagged.”
There is “unresolved activity.”
You must take action now to avoid consequences.
They can help you qualify for special “resolution options.”
The scam can arrive as a robocall, voicemail, live agent call, or a series of calls that escalate over a few days. The first message is usually vague on purpose. It is meant to trigger urgency, not deliver facts.
Why the script sounds so convincing
Scam scripts like the one you provided are written to hit three psychological buttons fast:
Authority: “resolution escalation office,” “agency,” “department line,” and a full name like “Monica Fairchild.”
Urgency: “flagged for immediate follow up,” “unresolved activity,” “time-sensitive.”
Uncertainty: they do not tell you what the issue is, which forces you to call back to relieve the discomfort.
That uncertainty is powerful. If they said, “You owe $9,842,” most people would instantly question it. But “unresolved activity” could be anything, and your imagination will usually pick the scariest option.
The truth about how the IRS contacts people
One of the most important reality checks is also the simplest: the IRS typically contacts taxpayers the first time by mail, delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
That matters because scam calls rely on surprise. They want to catch you off guard, before you verify anything, before you talk yourself down, before you look up an official number.
Also, the IRS does not call demanding immediate payment using a specific method such as a gift card, prepaid debit card, or wire transfer.
So when a caller pressures you to “handle it now,” especially with unusual payment methods, you are not dealing with a legitimate tax process. You are dealing with a theft process.
The voicemail transcript, and what it’s really doing
Let’s look at the structure of your example transcript (I’m lightly redacting the number so people do not accidentally call it):
“Hi it’s Monica Fairchild on Thursday the 18th calling from the resolution escalation office at the tax solutions and review agency our department line is 877-257-31xx contacting you because your account has been flagged for immediate follow up due to unresolved activity…”
Notice what is missing:
No tax year is mentioned
No letter or notice number
No verifiable agency name
No specific issue, amount, or documented claim
No instruction to verify through an official IRS process
That is not an accident. The goal is not accuracy. The goal is momentum.
If you call back, the next stage of the scam begins, and it becomes much more personal, much more persuasive, and much harder to exit without feeling rattled.
Common variations you might hear
These scams mutate constantly, but they tend to cluster around a few repeating themes. You might hear claims like:
“You qualify for a hardship program that expires today.”
“We can stop wage garnishment immediately.”
“We can help you settle for pennies on the dollar.”
“Your file is being escalated to enforcement.”
“This is your final attempt to resolve it voluntarily.”
Sometimes they name-drop legitimate terms like “Offer in Compromise.” Sometimes they avoid technical terms and just promise “tax forgiveness.”
Either way, the scam is built on a false shortcut. Real tax resolution is paperwork-heavy, document-heavy, and rarely instant. Scammers promise speed because speed prevents verification.
What the scammers want from you
Depending on the group running it, the scam can be after:
Money immediately (the fastest win)
Personal data (identity theft, account takeovers, selling your data)
Access to your devices (remote access, banking theft)
In the early stages, they may ask “harmless” questions:
Full name and address
Date of birth
Employer name
Estimated income
How much you think you might owe
This is partly to build a profile, and partly to keep you talking. The longer you stay on the line, the more likely you are to comply when the ask gets bigger.
The payment traps: why gift cards show up so often
A classic endpoint for these scams is the demand for payment through methods that are difficult or impossible to reverse. Gift cards are the most infamous. The IRS explicitly warns that it does not demand payment via gift cards and that scammers use gift cards as payment for fake tax bills. (IRS)
Scammers like gift cards for one reason: once the codes are transferred and redeemed, the money is gone.
They may also push:
Wire transfers
Prepaid debit cards
Peer-to-peer payment apps
Crypto
A legitimate tax payment process does not require secrecy or urgency, and it does not require you to read codes off the back of a card.
The “tax relief company” camouflage problem
Not every tax relief company is a scam, but scammers hide behind the idea of tax relief because it sounds plausible. They borrow the language of real services:
“resolution”
“enrollment”
“case manager”
“escalation”
“compliance review”
“hardship evaluation”
And then they weaponize it.
A legitimate tax professional will explain what they can and cannot do, and they will not promise impossible outcomes. Scammers promise certainty, because certainty gets you to pay before you think.
The secondary twist: when “Tax Solutions” turns into tech support fraud
Some Tax Solutions scam calls do something especially nasty once they have your attention. They pivot into a “security” angle.
They claim:
your phone is being monitored,
your device is infected,
your banking is compromised,
your identity has been stolen,
they need to “secure” your account before proceeding.
Then they try to get you to install remote access software so they can “help.”
This is where the scam shifts from persuasion to control. Once someone can see your screen or control your device, they can guide you into logging into your bank, approving transfers, or revealing verification codes.
And because the whole thing is framed as help, victims often do not realize what happened until money is missing.
Why these calls keep working
Because they are not targeting “gullible” people. They are targeting human reflexes:
Fear of government consequences
Shame about finances
Stress about paperwork
The desire to fix a problem quickly
They also exploit timing. People are more vulnerable when they are busy, tired, or already worried about money.
The message does not have to be perfect. It just has to push the right emotional button long enough for you to call back.
How The Scam Works
Step 1: The voicemail hook, vague threat, official tone, no details
The first step is almost always a message designed to spike your stress and create urgency.
In your transcript, the hook is:
“resolution escalation office”
“account has been flagged”
“immediate follow up”
“unresolved activity”
That is a perfect storm of pressure words. It implies consequences without stating them. It invites you to “solve it” by calling back.
Scammers often use robocalls and voicemail drops because they can reach thousands of numbers cheaply. They only need a small percentage to respond.
Step 2: The call-back, a calm agent who sounds like they’ve done this all day
If you call back, the tone often changes. Instead of threatening, they become helpful. You might hear:
“I’m here to help you resolve this voluntarily.”
“Let’s see what you qualify for.”
“We can stop enforcement action from moving forward.”
This is intentional. Fear opens the door, relief keeps you inside.
The agent will usually ask a few “verification” questions. These questions serve multiple purposes:
They collect personal data
They test how cooperative you are
They shape the story around your answers
They build a sense of legitimacy
If you say, “I don’t think I owe anything,” they pivot to identity theft. If you say, “I had issues a couple years ago,” they lean into collections threats. The script is flexible.
Step 3: The escalation, consequences get louder if you hesitate
Once the scammer senses you are engaged, they increase pressure. This is where you might hear:
“This is time-sensitive.”
“Your case is being escalated.”
“We’re trying to stop a wage garnishment.”
“If you do not resolve this today, it may move to enforcement.”
The IRS warns that scammers threaten and demand immediate payment, sometimes even threatening arrest or deportation. (IRS)
Even if the scammer avoids extreme threats, the emotional direction is the same. They want you to feel like waiting is dangerous.
Step 4: The “solution,” a special program, a settlement promise, or a fast-track enrollment
Now comes the pitch. The scammer offers a way out, but only through them.
Common promises include:
“We can reduce your debt significantly.”
“We can stop collections within 24 hours.”
“You qualify for a settlement option.”
“We can enroll you in a resolution program today.”
They may reference real IRS concepts, but in a distorted way. They talk like it’s a coupon code.
At this stage they often introduce a fee, framed as something normal:
A “processing fee”
An “enrollment fee”
A “document preparation fee”
A “retainer” to open your case
They might start with a smaller amount, like $199 or $399, because smaller feels easier to say yes to when you are stressed. Then it grows.
Step 5: The payment demand, the moment it becomes unmistakably criminal
If the scam is aiming for immediate money, this is where it gets obvious.
They may demand payment through methods the IRS specifically warns against:
Gift cards
Wire transfers
Prepaid debit cards
They may tell you:
“This is the fastest method.”
“This keeps your case from escalating.”
“This is a secure transaction.”
“We need confirmation today.”
Sometimes they push you to stay on the phone while you go to a store to buy gift cards. That is a classic tactic. The longer they keep you engaged, the less likely you are to talk to someone who will snap you out of it.
Step 6: The tech support pivot, remote access, “security,” and guided theft
In more advanced versions, they pivot when they sense you may not pay immediately, or when they want a bigger payout.
They claim your device is compromised and they need to connect remotely.
They might say:
“We need to secure your account to prevent further issues.”
“We’ll help you complete verification forms.”
“We can process a refund for an incorrect charge.”
“We need to confirm your identity through a secure session.”
Then they push remote access tools. Once installed, scammers can:
See your screen
Control your device
Guide you to your bank website
Push you into transfers
Capture personal and financial information
This is where victims often feel the most violated afterward, because it was not just a phone call. It was someone stepping into their digital life.
Step 7: The aftermath cycle, more demands, more calls, and sometimes new scams
If you paid, the scam often continues.
They may come back with:
“release fees”
“final processing fees”
“tax stamp” style nonsense
“urgent compliance” costs
If you did not pay but you engaged, you might get more scam calls anyway, because you have been labeled as responsive.
You might even get a second scam posing as “fraud support” or “government recovery” offering to get your money back for a fee.
That is why the safest move is to stop contact early, before your number and personal data get fed into wider scam lists.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
End contact immediately, hang up, and block the number. Do not argue. Do not negotiate. Do not try to “win” the conversation. Your goal is to disengage and stop giving them time, information, or emotional control.
Write down what happened while it’s still fresh. Capture details like the callback number, what they claimed, what you shared, and any payment instructions. If you installed anything, write down the exact app name. This helps with bank reports and official complaints.
If you paid money, contact your bank or card issuer right away. Explain clearly that you were tricked by a scam call and want to stop or reverse payments. Ask about:
chargebacks (for card payments)
wire recalls (for wire transfers)
fraud claims and account protection steps
If gift cards were involved, contact the gift card issuer immediately. If the codes have not been redeemed yet, there is sometimes a small window to freeze funds.
If you installed remote access software, disconnect and remove it. If you installed a remote access tool, disconnect from the internet first (WiFi and mobile data), then uninstall the tool and restart the device. If you used banking on that device during or after the session, treat it as compromised.
Change passwords from a clean, trusted device. Do not change passwords on a device you believe scammers may have accessed. Start with:
your email account (because it controls password resets)
your bank and payment apps
your Apple ID or Google account
any password manager accounts
Turn on 2-factor authentication where available.
Run security scans and reduce future exposure. Use Malwarebytes to scan for malware, adware, and unwanted programs, especially if remote access was involved. Also use an ad blocker like AdGuard to cut down on malicious ads, scam pop-ups, and redirect traps that often feed these schemes.
Report the scam through official channels. The IRS advises people who receive IRS impersonation scam calls to record the number, hang up, and report it to TIGTA. You can also report the number by emailing phishing@irs.gov and using “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.
If you shared sensitive personal information, protect your identity. If you provided your Social Security number, ID photos, or banking info, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus. Monitor for new accounts, unexpected mail, or unusual login alerts.
Verify your real tax situation safely, without using any number from the voicemail. If you are genuinely worried you might owe taxes, verify through official IRS resources and official contact paths, not through a voicemail callback number. The IRS explains how it contacts people and how to confirm legitimacy.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
The Bottom Line
Tax Solutions scam phone calls are engineered to feel urgent and official, without providing anything you can truly verify. The script is not trying to inform you, it’s trying to move you, quickly, emotionally, and on their terms.
Remember the safest anchors: the IRS typically contacts taxpayers first by mail, and it does not demand immediate payment using gift cards, prepaid cards, or wire transfers.
If you get a call like this, you do not need to prove it’s a scam in the moment. You just need to stop the conversation, verify independently, and report it. And if you already engaged, that’s still okay. Take it step by step, secure your accounts, scan your devices, and cut off the scammer’s access.
You are not alone in this, these scripts are built to pressure normal people on normal days. The win is recognizing the pattern and taking your control back.
FAQ
What is the Tax Solutions scam phone call?
It’s a scam where callers claim they’re from a “Tax Solutions” organization, a “resolution escalation office,” or a “tax solutions and review agency.” They use urgent language like “your account has been flagged” to scare you into calling back, sharing personal information, or sending money.
Is “Tax Solutions and Review Agency” a real government office?
In scam calls, the name is usually made up or intentionally vague. Real government agencies do not rely on generic brand-style names in surprise voicemails to handle enforcement issues.
Why do these voicemails say my account was “flagged for immediate follow up”?
Because it creates panic without giving details you can verify. Scammers want you to fill in the blanks, assume the worst, and call back quickly before you check anything independently.
Are these calls actually from the IRS?
Almost always, no. Scammers often avoid directly saying “IRS” while using IRS-style wording to make you assume it. If the message is urgent, vague, and pushy, treat it as suspicious.
If I really owed taxes, would I get a voicemail like this?
Typically, real tax issues come with written notices and clear identifiers, like tax years, notice numbers, and specific instructions. A vague prerecorded voicemail telling you to call a random “department line” is a major red flag.
What are the biggest red flags that it’s a scam?
Watch for any of these, especially in combination:
Prerecorded voicemail or robocall
“Flagged,” “immediate,” “final notice,” or “unresolved activity” with no specifics
Pressure to act today
Requests for Social Security number, bank details, or photos of IDs
Demands for payment by gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or prepaid cards
Threats of arrest, deportation, or police involvement
Instructions to install remote access software
They mentioned “Offer in Compromise.” Does that mean it’s legitimate?
No. Offer in Compromise is a real IRS program, but scammers misuse the term to sound credible. Real eligibility depends on your financial situation and documentation, not a quick phone call where someone promises a guaranteed outcome.
Why do scammers ask for gift cards or wire transfers?
Because those payment methods are hard to reverse. If anyone says you must pay using gift cards, wire transfer, crypto, or prepaid cards, treat it as fraud and stop contact immediately.
Should I call back to “confirm” if the message is real?
No. Do not call back and do not press any keypad options. If you want to verify your tax situation, use official IRS contact methods you look up yourself, not the number in the voicemail.
I called back and gave them personal information. What should I do now?
Act quickly, but stay calm. Steps that help:
Stop all contact and block the number
Change your email password first, then banking and payment passwords
Turn on 2-factor authentication where available
Watch for suspicious emails, password reset attempts, or new accounts you did not open
Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if you shared SSN or ID details
They told me my phone or computer is hacked and asked me to install AnyDesk. What does that mean?
That’s a common escalation. It turns the scam into a remote access theft attempt. Once they can see or control your screen, they can guide you into logging in to banking apps, approving transfers, or revealing verification codes.
I installed a remote access tool. What should I do immediately?
Do this in order:
Disconnect from the internet (WiFi and mobile data)
Uninstall the remote access app
Restart the device
Run a full scan with Malwarebytes
Change passwords from a different, trusted device
Contact your bank if you logged in to financial accounts during the time scammers had access
Can Malwarebytes and AdGuard actually help with these scams?
Yes, in practical ways:
Malwarebytes can help detect and remove malware, adware, and unwanted programs, especially if you installed something during the scam.
AdGuard can reduce malicious ads, scam pop-ups, and redirect pages that often push “support” numbers and fake warnings.
They won’t stop every phone call, but they reduce the risk of the scam spreading onto your devices.
I paid them. Can I get my money back?
It depends on the payment method:
Card payment: call your bank and ask about chargebacks and fraud claims
Wire transfer: ask about a wire recall immediately
Gift cards: contact the gift card issuer right away, sometimes funds can be frozen if codes were not redeemed yet
Even if recovery is not guaranteed, acting fast improves your chances.
Where should I report Tax Solutions scam calls?
Report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and forward details to phishing@irs.gov with the subject line “IRS Phone Scam.” Also report the number as spam through your phone carrier if that option exists.
How can I reduce scam calls like this in the future?
A few steps that help:
Enable spam call filtering on your phone
Do not answer unknown numbers, let them go to voicemail
Block repeat offenders, even if they switch numbers often
Never call back numbers from suspicious voicemails
Keep devices updated, and use AdGuard to reduce malicious ad exposure
Run periodic scans with Malwarebytes, especially after any suspicious interaction
What should I tell a friend or family member who got the same voicemail?
Tell them one simple rule: do not engage. Do not press buttons, do not call back, do not share information, and do not install anything. If they are worried about taxes, verify through official IRS channels using contact information they find independently.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
