Scam library · Texts · Government impostor · Email & phishing
Tax refund text scam
'IRS: You are eligible for a tax refund of $1,240. Submit your information to receive it.' The link leads to a page that looks like the IRS.
The IRS doesn't text people about refunds. The page steals your Social Security number, bank details and more.
What the message looks like
From: +1 (202) 555-0152
IRS Notice: You have an unclaimed tax refund of $1,240.18.
Submit your information within 48 hours: irs-refund-claims[.]com
How this scam works
The IRS says it doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media to request personal or financial information.
Scammers also impersonate state tax agencies, offering refunds or 'stimulus' payments. Some messages mention real programs to seem credible.
Stolen details can be used to file fake tax returns in your name, steal your refund or open accounts.
Tax season brings more of these scams, but they happen year-round.
You can check your real refund status on irs.gov using the 'Where's My Refund?' tool, or through your state tax agency's official website.
Some scams target people who've just filed, claiming a 'problem' with their return that needs fixing through a link. Others pose as tax preparers offering to help get a bigger refund. A few send fake IRS letters by mail with phone numbers to call.
The IRS usually contacts people by regular mail first. If you get a letter, you can check that it's real by logging into your IRS online account or calling the IRS using the number on irs.gov.
Scammers also offer to help you claim credits you don't qualify for, which can leave you owing money and penalties later.
Red flags
- Texts or emails from the 'IRS' about refunds.
- Links that don't go to irs.gov.
- Short deadlines to claim.
- Requests for bank or Social Security numbers.
- Mention of stimulus or rebate payments.
- Requests to 'fix' a problem with your return through a link.
How to tell it’s fake
- Check refunds on irs.gov.
- Look at the link domain carefully.
- Remember the IRS doesn't text to request personal information.
- Call the IRS using official numbers.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Don't click. Forward IRS-themed phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov and report texts.
If you paid
- If you paid a 'fee', contact your bank.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared your SSN or bank details, visit IdentityTheft.gov and consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer recognizes fake IRS and state tax pages. It warns before you enter your Social Security number or bank details. If a refund notice seems legit, a scam expert can check it.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Does the IRS text about refunds?
- The IRS doesn't initiate contact by text to request personal information.
- How do I check my refund?
- Use 'Where's My Refund?' on irs.gov.
- What's an IP PIN?
- An Identity Protection PIN that helps prevent tax identity theft.
- Where do I report IRS phishing?
- Forward emails to phishing@irs.gov.
- I got a letter from the IRS. How do I know it's real?
- Check your IRS online account at irs.gov or call the IRS using the number on its official website.