Got a text about money from the IRS? With filing season underway, identity thieves are targeting taxpayers with realistic-looking emails and texts claiming to be from the IRS. These messages may ask for personal information or offer fake tax refunds that lead to phishing websites and malware on mobile devices. The IRS warns taxpayers to never click on links in such emails or respond to phishing text messages that claim to be from the agency. Instead, taxpayers should visit the IRS website or call the agency’s help line if they have questions.
Why did I get an identity verification letter from IRS?
The IRS will never contact you by email, text or social media to request sensitive information or ask for payment. It also will never demand immediate payment via a prepaid card, wire transfer or other method and will always provide an opportunity to question or appeal any amount owed. If you receive a suspicious email or text message, report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.
A Tax Return is a document submitted to the IRS that shows how much tax a person or business owes. It includes taxable income, deductions and credits such as business expenses, charitable contributions and child care benefits. Tax returns are usually filed in April for the previous tax year.
Fraudsters use a variety of tactics to make their scams appear legitimate, including using official-sounding names and titles and fake badge numbers to disguise their identities. They can also spoof the caller ID to appear as if it’s coming from an official source, such as the IRS or a state collection agency.