If you receive an unsolicited text message claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service, it is almost certainly a scam.
This is particularly relevant during tax season. The Better Business Bureau warns against phishing attempts in which scammers use the promise of automatic payments for $1,400 stimulus checks to steal sensitive information.
While the stimulus checks are valid (check your eligibility here), the IRS is not texting taxpayers about them.
The IRS typically communicates with taxpayers via mailed letters through the United States Postal Service. In rare cases, the IRS may call or text you, but only if you’ve already provided your phone number and agreed to receive communications through official IRS channels such as its website or mobile app.
These calls or texts are typically about identity verification, account updates, or ongoing issues like payment plans or tax resolution. The agency will not text you about the stimulus check money.
How the scam works
The scam texts appear to be from the IRS, informing recipients that they are eligible for a $1,400 check as part of the Economic Impact Payment rebate and directing them to a link to claim it.
That link takes you to a fraudulent but convincing IRS website designed to steal personal and financial information that could be used for identity theft or fraud.
If you are eligible, the actual $1,400 will be automatically sent to your mailing address or direct deposit account, assuming you have provided that information to the IRS.
Remember that the agency will never ask for personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card numbers via text, email, or phone.
If you receive a text claiming you are eligible for a $1,400 rebate, do not click on any links or images. Simply delete the text or select’report junk’ or’report phishing,’ depending on your phone’s settings.
You can also report suspicious texts to phishing@irs.gov and fraudulent activity to the BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
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Also See:- IRS Confirms Automatic Stimulus Payments for 1 Million Taxpayers – Are You Eligible? Check Here
