A text says the IRS owes you a refund, or that you owe back taxes and must act now. Even people with nothing to hide feel a jolt of worry.
Text message:
IRS Notice: Our records show you are due a refund of $1,208.40. Verify your identity to receive it: irs-refund-claim.example
IRS Notice: Our records show you are due a refund of $1,208.40. Verify your identity to receive it: irs-refund-claim.example
An invented example, but real scam messages look just like it.
Short answer: Treat it as a scam. The IRS says it does not send text messages with shortened links asking you to verify personal information.
ScamRead Scam Checker
Got this message right now? Paste it into ScamRead.
Copy the message, paste it into the checker, and get a clear read on the red flags in seconds. Free.
Red flags in a message like this
- A refund you weren’t expecting
- A link, often shortened, asking for your details
- A threat: pay now or face arrest or legal action
- A demand to pay by gift card or prepaid debit card
- A request for your Social Security number or bank details by text
What the IRS says
- It does not start contact by email to ask for personal or financial information.
- Taxpayers will generally first receive several letters in the mail before a phone call.
- It will never demand payment by prepaid debit card or gift card, threaten to have you arrested, or ask for card numbers over the phone.
If you already tapped, replied or paid
- Gave your Social Security number: go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan and consider a free credit freeze.
- Gave bank or card details: call your bank or card issuer now.
- Paid with a gift card: contact the card company straight away and report it.
Report it: Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Still not sure? Paste it into ScamRead before you reply or pay.