IRS Tax Refund Text Message — How to Know It's a Scam
You received a text claiming the IRS has a tax refund waiting for you, and you need to click a link to claim it. The IRS does not initiate contact by text message, ever. They communicate by postal mail. This text is designed to steal your Social Security number and banking information.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — The IRS Never Contacts You by Text Message
The IRS does not initiate contact by text message, ever. They communicate exclusively by postal mail. Any text claiming to be from the IRS is a scam.
Note: This scam typically arrives via text message, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For text scams, report to the FTC — see all reporting agencies.
You receive a text claiming the IRS has a tax refund waiting for you, or that you owe back taxes and must pay immediately. The text includes a link to "claim your refund" or "resolve your balance." The link leads to a fake IRS website designed to steal your Social Security number, banking information, and personal data.
The IRS has repeatedly stated that it does not send unsolicited text messages or communicate refund information via SMS. According to the IRS, phishing and smishing scams impersonating the IRS consistently appear on their annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams.
Red Flags
- Text claims to be from the IRS — the IRS never texts you
- Promises a tax refund if you provide information
- Threatens penalties or arrest for unpaid taxes
- Includes a link to a non-.gov website
- Asks for your Social Security number or bank details
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not tap any links in the text
- Do not provide any personal information
- Check your tax status at irs.gov directly if you have concerns
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM)
- Report IRS impersonation through the official IRS phishing page at irs.gov
Sources
- IRS "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams list — Smishing as a top scam method
- IRS official guidance — How to know it's the IRS