Here's how this scam usually happens:

- The most common way scammers request gift cards is over the phone through a government impersonation scam. However, they will also request gift cards through a text message, email or social media.

- A scammer posing as an IRS agent will call the taxpayer or leave a voicemail with a callback number informing the taxpayer that they are linked to some criminal activity. For example, the scammer will tell the taxpayer their identify has been stolen and used to open fake bank accounts.

- The scammer will threaten or harass the taxpayer by telling them that they must pay a fictitious tax penalty.

- The scammer instructs the taxpayer to buy gift cards from various stores.

- Once the taxpayer buys the gift cards, the scammer will ask the taxpayer to provide the gift card number and PIN

Source: Federal Trade Commission