We're a few weeks into tax season, which means identity thieves are once again trying their hardest to con you into believing they represent the IRS.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers about the latest tax scam in which IRS impersonators are emailing and texting victims with a link to check or claim their tax refund. According to the notice, the scam encourages recipients to get their "tax refund e-statement" or to "fill out a form to get your refund." The message looks legitimate, complete with the IRS logo and detailed information about your supposed refund total and "next steps."
However, it's a phishing scam, and clicking any links could result in malware being installed on your device or your personal information being compromised. This is your annual reminder that the IRS does not contact consumers through email or text (or social media), and you should never click links in any messages that purport to come from the agency.
Instead, most IRS communication is initiated through mailed notices delivered by USPS—and if you experience the rare phone call or in-person visit from an IRS representative, you will already have received numerous letters via regular mail. IRS employees conducting audits or collections will carry two specific forms of identification.
What to do if you receive an IRS scam message
Again, do not click on any link in a text or email that claims to be from the IRS, even if it looks legitimate or is about your refund. If you do, we've got a guide to handling the consequences of phishing, including steps to take right away to secure your information and accounts.
Next, report the impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration on the IRS website or by phone at 800-366-4484, as well as to the FTC. You can also report unsolicited emails directly to phishing@irs.gov.
Finally, you can check the legitimate status of your tax refund (once you've filed your return) using the IRS' Where's My Refund tool.
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