How to Tell If a Tax Lien Call Is Real or a Scam

Running a business is hard enough — and getting a surprise phone call about a tax lien can be downright stressful. At Cardiff Tax Pros, we’ve seen a rise in scam calls targeting small businesses, especially around sales tax or CDTFA liens. Here's what to know and how to protect yourself.

First — What Is a Tax Lien?

A tax lien is a legal claim by the government against your property for unpaid taxes. In California, the CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration) may file a lien if sales tax hasn’t been paid. Real tax liens are serious — but they’re also always documented, traceable, and preceded by official notices.

Tax Lien Scams are on the rise

Why Scammers Use “Tax Liens” to Scare You

Scammers use fake tax liens because:

• The amount sounds believable (e.g., $5,000–$10,000)

• They create urgency: “Act now or lose your assets.”

• They offer to “help you resolve it” — for a fee.

But here’s the thing: if you haven’t received a written notice from CDTFA or seen it online, the lien probably doesn’t exist.

How to Check if a Lien is Real

If someone claims a lien was filed, here’s how you can confirm:

1. Search the Secretary of State’s Lien Database Visit bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov → Search → Lien Records → Tax Liens Enter your business name. If nothing appears, no lien has been recorded.

2. Log In to Your CDTFA Online Account Check for notices, past due balances, or enforcement actions. You can access it at onlineservices.cdtfa.ca.gov.

3. Call CDTFA Directly Use the official number: 1-800-400-7115. Never trust phone numbers given by unsolicited callers.

What to Ask the Caller

If you want to test whether the caller is legitimate, ask:

• What agency do you represent?

• Can you provide the official lien number and filing location?

• Where can I verify this lien online?

• Can you send a copy of the lien and the CDTFA notice?

• What's your full name, callback number, and business license number?

👉 Scammers often get aggressive or hang up when you ask these questions.

Red Flags That It’s a Scam

• No written notice was mailed to your business.

• They demand immediate payment over the phone.

• They want gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.

• They say they’re a “financial company” helping with liens — not CDTFA directly.

• They threaten legal action or asset seizure without documentation.

Bottom Line: Don’t Panic. Verify First.

A real tax lien can be handled — and there are formal steps to resolve it. But many of these calls are scams, preying on busy business owners.

If you're unsure or want help checking your account, reach out to us at Cardiff Tax Pros. We help small businesses across California stay on top of their taxes and avoid getting caught off guard.

Need help verifying a tax issue or sorting through notices?

Call us or visit www.cardifftax.com — we’re here to help.