IRS refund or tax-problem text and email
Scammers send texts, emails, or social media messages that look like they came from the IRS. They often use urgent language and QR codes that lead to fake IRS websites asking you to 'verify' an account or claim a refund.
How it works
A message claims there is a problem with your tax refund, your IRS account, or a payment you owe. It may include a link or a QR code that opens a site made to look like IRS.gov. The site asks you to enter a Social Security number, bank details, or login information. Some links can also put harmful software on your phone or computer. The real IRS says it generally contacts people by mail first and does not ask you to click unexpected links.
Red flags
- An unexpected text, email, or social media message claims to be from the IRS.
- It uses alarming language and asks you to click a link or scan a QR code.
- The site does not end in irs.gov, or the address is slightly misspelled.
- You are asked to 'verify' an account or claim a refund right away.
What to do
- Do not click the link, scan the QR code, or open any attachment.
- If you are worried about a real tax issue, sign in at IRS.gov yourself or call a number you find on the official site.
- Forward suspected IRS phishing to phishing@irs.gov and report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If you think your tax identity was used, follow the steps at IRS.gov/idtheft.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.