Scammers are doing it again, and this time they are pretending to be the IRS to dupe taxpayers into providing personal information. If you receive a text message indicating that you are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, do not click on any links or provide information. The IRS does not send text messages about such a matter, and it may leave you exposed to identity theft or financial scams.
Those fraud texts have gained momentum following a recent announcement from the IRS. Last month, the IRS announced it was sending $2.4 million in payments to around one million taxpayers who received shortfalls of their full pandemic stimulus payments. But those payments—up to $1,400 per individual—were paid automatically to recipients and did not require them to take any action. The IRS also alerted the recipients via formal letters, but not via texts or emails. Despite such facts, the fraudsters are capitalizing on this news to deceive people into believing they must get their money through a non-existent online portal.
Read now: These are the U.S. taxpayers who will have their tax refunds cancelled by the IRS without remedy
How the scam works
The fake text message appears to be from the IRS and indicates you qualify for an Economic Impact Payment of $1,400. To receive the funds, the message tells you to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank information. The scammer also includes a link using an imposter’s official IRS website.
Hunting down the link may have significant consequences. It may lead to a phishing page where you’ll be asked for sensitive information, or it can download malware into your computer system that gives fraudsters access to your details.
Remember that the IRS never initiates text messages, emails, or social networking messages regarding tax payments or refunds. Any message claiming to be from the IRS in these forms is likely to be a scam. The IRS can only reach out to taxpayers in the form of official letters sent through the mail.
How to Protect Yourself from IRS Scams
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has provided the following tips to help you avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Verify IRS Communications: The IRS never contacts taxpayers via text, email, or social media. If you receive a suspicious message, check your tax records by visiting IRS.gov directly.
- Avoid Clicking Links: Never click on links in unexpected messages, even if they seem legitimate. Scammers use fake websites to steal personal information and install malware.
- Watch for Urgency Tactics: Fraudsters create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly. If you receive a message demanding immediate action, take time to verify the information independently.
- Report the Scam: If you receive a suspicious text or email, report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and to the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from these types of scams and ensure your personal and financial information remains secure. If you ever have doubts about an IRS-related message, always verify the information through official IRS channels before taking any action.
Read now: New York’s new stance on crypto – What every investor needs to know
