Revenue.ie Balance Due Scam
High RiskGot a message, call or offer like this?
Take your time. Treat it as a scam until you have checked it yourself.
- Don't tap links, reply, or ring numbers it gives you. On a call, hang up.
- Don't pay, and don't share card details, PINs, passwords or codes.
- Check with whoever it claims to be, using contact details you find yourself.
Overview
Scammers send emails, texts, or make phone calls pretending to be from Revenue, claiming you have an outstanding balance that must be paid immediately or face legal action, arrest, or audit. The messages create fear and urgency to trick victims into making payments to criminals.
Typical Targets
- •Self-employed individuals and business owners
- •Anyone who has had dealings with Revenue
- •People anxious about tax compliance
- •Older adults more trusting of "official" communications
Why This Scam Works
- •Fear of Revenue and legal consequences
- •Many people have tax anxieties
- •Official-looking emails with Revenue branding
- •Urgency ("pay within 24 hours")
- •Threats of arrest or property seizure
Example
A Galway business owner received a call from someone claiming to be a "Revenue enforcement officer". They said he owed €4,500 in unpaid taxes and a warrant would be issued within 2 hours unless he paid via bank transfer. In a panic, he transferred the money. Revenue confirmed they never made the call.
* An illustration of how this scam works, not from a victim case we hold.
How to Avoid This Scam
- Revenue never demands immediate payment by phone
- Revenue never threatens arrest or asks for payment via unusual methods
- Check your actual Revenue account through myAccount or ROS
- Official Revenue contact comes through secure online channels
- Never give card details over the phone to unsolicited callers
- Hang up and call Revenue directly using official numbers
If You've Been Caught Out
Don't panic – take these steps immediately:
- 1Contact your bank immediately to attempt payment recovery
- 2Report to An Garda Síochána
- 3Report the scam to Revenue at [email protected]
- 4Document everything – times, numbers, what was said
- 5Monitor your tax accounts for any actual changes
- 6Consider credit monitoring if personal details were shared
* This information is for guidance only. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.
Who to Contact for Help
Revenue
01 738 3636
Verify any tax matters
An Garda Síochána
Local station
Report the crime
Your Bank
Check your card
Attempt recovery
New scams, as they appear
New scam warnings and safety tips, as we publish them.