Consumer Alert
The IRS doesn't send tax refunds by email or text
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Got an email or text message about a tax refund? It’s a scam.
IRS impersonators are at it again. This time, the scammers are sending messages about your “tax refund” or “tax refund e-statement.” It might look legit, but it’s an email or text fake, trying to trick you into clicking on links so they can steal from you. How? They tell you to click a link — supposedly to check on your “tax refund e-statement” or “fill out a form to get your refund.” But it’s a scam and if you click that link, the scammer might steal your identity or put malware on your phone or computer.
If someone contacts you unexpectedly about a tax refund, the most important thing to know is that the real IRS won’t contact you by email, text message, or social media to get your personal or financial information. Only scammers will.
If someone does reach out, here’s what to do:
- Never click on any links, which can put malware on your computer or phone, letting scammers steal from you.
- Check the status of any pending refund on the IRS official website. Visit Where’s My Refund to see if you’re really getting a refund.
- Share what you know. By telling your friends and family members about the scam, you can help protect your community.
If you clicked on a link in one of these messages, or you shared personal or financial information, report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a free, customized recovery plan.
If you see this or any other a scam, even if you didn’t lose money, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud@ftc.gov.
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Would it be possible to right click the link to examine its address?
When I get those kind of calls I let them say what the call is about oweing money or what every i act concerned then say the irs only comunacate by Mail they hang up
Thanks for sharing this valued information with us. I was scammed once and never again would like to be.
Thank you for the info!
Thank you for sharing this. People I beg you not to take this lightly. I can't tell you how hard it is to get your life, your identity & even mental stability back after a scam ordeal. Months, years or never is how long it takes. I can't urge you enough on taking every precaution you can against these con artists & their scams. Yes, it can happen to you. Do your homework. Educate!! FTC is the best place to start . Share what you know with others. Many don't know what to look for so it's up to all of us to protect one another. That's how we fight against scam artists. Educate ourselves and others. Knowledge cuts them off at the path and the next path & so on. A loved one fell victim to 2 scams. Romance & fbi. I reached out to idetitytheft.gov & they were a huge help. 2yrs later we are still having identity & financial issues. BE CAREFUL & EDUCATE YOURSELF & OTHERS!!