Just last week we discussed financial common scams and how to avoid them. Now, just a few days later a new deviously convincing scam comes to light. Here’s what it looks like: You receive a suspicious text message that claims you’re entitled to a $1,400 stimulus check. Enticing, right? The message looked like it came from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It even mentioned the recent IRS news regarding Economic Impact Payment and the Recovery Rebate Credit to seem more legitimate. It tells you to click a link to get your money within two days.
Sadly, this is a just an IRS scam text in which scammers impersonate the IRS and trick taxpayers into sharing personal or financial information. The Better Business Bureau has also warned about this phishing scam. The truth is, the IRS does not communicate with taxpayers through text messages. This is especially true when it comes to claiming your stimulus checks. These payments are automatic for qualified recipients, and the IRS sends letters by postal mail if it needs more details.
In this blog post, I’ll share why this phony IRS message appears credible, the telltale signs that something is amiss, and how you can protect yourself. I’ll also discuss the proper way to report suspicious IRS messages like these to phishing@irs.gov and BBB.org/ScamTracker. Finally, I’ll explain the Legitimate IRS Processes for communicating with taxpayers.
Table of Contents
Why the Scam Appears Credible
Recent News Creates a Sense of Legitimacy
I hate to admit it, scammers are clever. They latch onto real events to give their cons an authentic feel. In late December, the IRS announced it would send roughly $2.4 million in total to about one million people who did not receive all of their stimulus checks during the pandemic. Those payments, worth up to $1,400 each, may have sparked curiosity and confusion among taxpayers.
Because of these official updates, criminals can compose a phony IRS message that references the same figures and events. They may even provide a link that looks similar to an actual IRS site. Yet, no matter how “official” something seems, the IRS doesn’t send texts to confirm stimulus eligibility.
Use of Specific IRS Terms
These fake texts often mention the Recovery Rebate Credit or Economic Impact Payment. This shows how scammers do their homework. By peppering in real terms, they foster trust and hope you’ll assume it’s genuine.
However, legitimate communication from the IRS regarding these credits arrives by postal mail. If the IRS needs something from you, it won’t rush you through a text.
Key Warning Signs
Text Instead of Postal Mail
The IRS scam text format itself is the biggest big red flag of this scam. The IRS doesn’t send unsolicited messages to let you know about payments or request immediate action. If you receive a text that references any tax refund or stimulus checks, it’s .
Sense of Urgency
Scammers love to use phrases like “act now” or “click this link immediately.” They want you to focus on the exciting idea of free money. In reality, the IRS never pressures taxpayers into instant responses.
Requests for Personal Information
A phony IRS message might say you must enter your Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive data. This is a huge warning sign. The IRS will not contact you via text to gather private information.
Links to Fake Websites
Look out for suspicious web links. They can include slight spelling variations or added characters that mimic official websites. Clicking on them might install malware or direct you to fraudulent forms designed to steal your data.
How the Scam Works
I’ll walk you through a typical scenario. Scammers send a text claiming you’re eligible for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment. The message says you’ll receive the money in one to two business days if you share certain private details. That text might also provide a fake link, such as “GetMyPayment-now.irs.gov” or something similar.
If you click on that link, you might reach a page that prompts you to enter personal information. Or, you may inadvertently download harmful software onto your device. Either way, you’re at risk.
Then, scammers can use your data to open fraudulent accounts, commit identity theft, or drain your bank funds. They may even claim to be from an official-sounding agency. This entire effort is a well-planned phishing scam designed to steal your details.
Actions to Take if You Receive the Scam
If you get a text that references stimulus checks, your Recovery Rebate Credit, or a special Economic Impact Payment from a strange number, don’t panic. Instead, consider these steps:
- Do not click on any links. They could lead to malware or phishing sites.
- Avoid replying. Any response might signal the scammer that your number is active.
- Delete the message. Trust your instinct. If it looks suspicious, remove it.
- Block the sender. Most phones let you block future messages from the same number.
If you suspect you might have already entered information on a phony website, contact your bank or credit card provider. Let them know what happened so they can monitor your accounts. You may also want to freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized loans or credit lines in your name.
Reporting and Staying Safe
How to Report the Scam
When you come across a IRS scam text, don’t just delete it. Take a moment to report it. By sharing details, you can help alert others and possibly shut down the scammers.
I suggest forwarding any suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov. That address belongs to the IRS, and they review scam reports. You should also report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker, which the Better Business Bureau maintains.
Staying Vigilant
You may ask yourself, “How can I remain safe moving forward?” Here are a few precautions:
- Use official websites: If you have doubts, type “IRS.gov” in your browser. Never trust a link from a text or email.
- Keep software updated: Update your phone’s operating system and security apps. That helps block malicious software.
- Review statements: Look at your bank and credit card statements often. Alert your financial institution if anything seems off.
By taking these steps, you reduce your exposure to identity theft and other forms of fraud.
Legitimate IRS Processes
Official Letters and Automatic Payments
The actual IRS doesn’t need to text you about stimulus checks or the Recovery Rebate Credit. When the government first distributed Economic Impact Payment funds, it did so automatically for eligible people. No action was required if you filed a tax return.
If the IRS needs to alert you to an issue or a payment, you’ll typically receive a letter through the mail. These letters include your rights as a taxpayer and provide official phone numbers or addresses for follow-up.
When the IRS Might Call You
Under certain circumstances, the IRS does make phone calls. However, that usually comes after sending multiple notices by mail. Even then, an agent would not demand credit card information over the phone or threaten arrest if you don’t comply immediately. If someone calls about your taxes and it sounds fishy, hang up. Then call the IRS directly to check.
Conclusion
Receiving a phony IRS scam text message claiming you’re due a $1,400 payment can be alarming. However, we can all stay safer by knowing how the IRS genuinely communicates. That knowledge helps us spot the red flags of a phishing scam and avoid danger.
I believe in sharing this information to protect anyone who might be tempted by a too-good-to-be-true text. For legitimate updates on stimulus checks, keep an eye on IRS.gov. If you see a suspicious text, remember to forward it to phishing@irs.gov and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker. By filing a report, we can help protect our communities.
Stay safe out there. Keep an eye on your inbox, your text messages, and your bank statements. If something sounds too urgent, too generous, or even a bit off, trust your instincts. Together, we can outsmart these clever criminals and keep our information secure.
