IRS tax refund text scam
These texts promise a tax refund or "rebate" and link to a page asking for your identity and bank details. The IRS does not start contact with taxpayers by text message.
How this scam works
Money you are "owed" makes you want to claim it. The fake page collects your Social Security number, bank details, or login, which can be used for identity theft or to file a fake tax return in your name.
Common versions of the message
- A refund or rebate waiting for you
- A link to verify your identity
- A short deadline to claim
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 017-0932
IRS: You are eligible for a tax refund of $842.50. To receive your payment, verify your identity and bank details within 48 hours at http://irs-refund-claim.top/verify
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Money waiting: “tax refund of $842.50”
Free money is the bait
Free money is the bait. Check your real refund status on irs.gov instead.
- 2
Asks for your details: “verify your identity and bank details”
This is what they want to steal
The IRS will not text you asking for identity or bank details. Anyone asking for them by text is not the IRS.
- 3
Not the IRS: “irs-refund-claim.top”
The real IRS site ends in irs.gov and does not text you
The link is not irs.gov. Real IRS pages always end in irs.gov.
What to do
- Do not tap the link or reply.
- Check your refund status by typing irs.gov yourself.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then delete it.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you entered your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
- If you entered bank details, call your bank using the number on your card or statement.
- Consider placing a free credit freeze with the three credit bureaus.
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