An "I.R.S. agent" asking you to buy gift cards, e.g.

SCAM

Think of a deceptive scheme often involving urgent requests for money or personal details, like a fake call claiming your bank account is frozen.

This clue plays on the idea of a fake IRS agent demanding payment via gift cards, which is a classic red flag for fraud. The phrase "I.R.S. agent" in quotes hints that it’s not real, and the example with gift cards is a well-known scam tactic. The answer "SCAM" fits because it directly describes the deceptive scheme being referenced. It’s a straightforward definition with a touch of real-world context to make it click.