IRS Text Scam Alert: Beware of Fake $1,400 Refund Messages Targeting Taxpayers

A new scam is targeting taxpayers across the United States, with cybercriminals sending fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and offering a $1,400 refund.

The IRS has confirmed that these messages are fake and are part of an attempt to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting individuals.

How the Scam Works

Scammers send a text message stating that the recipient is eligible for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment (EIP) or tax refund. The message often contains a link directing the taxpayer to a fraudulent website that mimics an official IRS page. Once on the site, victims are asked to enter sensitive details such as:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Bank Account Information
• Personal Identification Details
• Tax Filing Information

Once the scammers collect this data, they can commit identity theft, financial fraud, or even file false tax returns in the victim’s name.

IRS Confirms It Will Never Text Taxpayers About Refunds

The IRS has issued an urgent warning, stating that it does not send unsolicited text messages or emails regarding tax refunds, stimulus payments, or any tax-related matters.

How the IRS Communicates with Taxpayers

• The IRS primarily contacts individuals via official mail (US Postal Service).
• The IRS never requests sensitive information via text, email, or phone calls.
• The IRS does not ask taxpayers to click on links to claim refunds.

How to Protect Yourself from This Scam

1. Do Not Click on Any Links

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited text messages claiming to be from the IRS.
• If you receive such a message, delete it immediately.

2. Report the Scam

• Forward the scam text to the IRS at [email protected].
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at www.bbb.org.

3. Monitor Your Tax Account

• Regularly check your tax records via the IRS portal to ensure no fraudulent activity has occurred.
• If you suspect fraud, contact the IRS Identity Protection Unit at 1-800-908-4490.

4. Stay Informed

• Read the IRS “Dirty Dozen” list of the latest tax scams at IRS.gov.
• Follow official government sources, such as the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for cybersecurity alerts.

What Happens If You Fall for the Scam?

If you’ve already clicked the link and entered your personal details, act quickly to minimize the damage:

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately – Inform them of possible fraud and watch for unauthorized transactions.
2. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports – Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to check your credit history for suspicious activity.
3. File an Identity Theft Report – Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.IdentityTheft.gov.
4. Notify the IRS – Call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490.
5. Change Passwords – Update passwords for financial and email accounts, and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

Why Scammers Are Using the $1,400 Refund Bait

Scammers capitalize on taxpayer confusion and financial hardship by using realistic refund amounts like $1,400, which aligns with previous stimulus payments issued by the government. This creates a false sense of legitimacy and urgency, increasing the likelihood of victims falling for the scam.

The IRS urges taxpayers to remain skeptical of any unsolicited messages promising refunds and to verify refund status directly through the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool.

Conclusion: Stay Alert and Protect Your Information

With tax season underway, scammers are increasingly targeting taxpayers through fake text messages and fraudulent IRS refund claims. The best defense is to stay informed, verify all communications directly through official government websites, and report suspicious activity immediately.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.