Smart Cents

Got a Text or Email About a Tax Refund? It’s a Scam!

Tax season is here, and while you’re dreaming of refund deposits, scammers are dreaming of stealing your money. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers are once again impersonating the IRS, sending fake emails and texts about “tax refund e-statements” or claiming you need to fill out a form to get your refund. But here’s the truth: it’s a scam.

Clicking on those links could give scammers access to your personal information, install malware on your device, or even lead to identity theft. Don’t let tax scammers cash in on your refund!

How the Scam Works

These tax refund scams can look convincing, but here’s what you need to watch for:

Fake Emails & Texts:
You might get a message claiming to be from the IRS, with subject lines like:

• “Your Tax Refund Is Ready!”
• “Check Your Tax e-Statement Now!”
• “Claim Your Refund Before It Expires!”

Dangerous Links:
The message will likely contain a link, urging you to click to “check your refund status” or “verify your information.” If you click, you could unintentionally download malware or be directed to a fake IRS website designed to steal your financial details.

How to Protect Yourself

Stay one step ahead of tax scammers with these simple tips:

 1. Don’t Click Suspicious Links:
If you get a message about a tax refund via email, text, or social media, ignore it. The real IRS won’t contact you this way. Clicking suspicious links could compromise your device and personal information.

2. Check Your Refund Status the Right Way:
If you’re unsure whether you’re owed a refund, go straight to the source. Visit the IRS Where’s My Refund page to verify your refund status safely.

 3. Spread the Word:
Scammers rely on confusion to succeed. Share this information with friends and family to help them avoid falling victim to refund scams.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

If you accidentally clicked a link or shared personal information, take action immediately:

• Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov to get a free, customized recovery plan.
• Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, even if you didn’t lose money.

Stay Safe This Tax Season

Tax season should mean refunds, not regrets. Stay alert, double-check suspicious messages, and remember: if the IRS needs to reach you, they’ll never do it through email, text, or social media.

For more security tips and resources:

FTC.GOV