They say nothing is certain but death and taxes—unfortunately, scammers want to cash in on both. This time, fraudsters are pretending to be the IRS, offering a too-good-to-be-true Economic Impact Payment (EIP) in exchange for personal information. If only the real IRS were that generous.
Scammers are sending out phishing texts claiming taxpayers are eligible for a $1,400 payment. All they need to do is hand over their personal details—bank account info, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive data. It’s a classic con, but with tax season in full swing, many people are more vulnerable than ever.
How It Works:
- The Bait: Victims receive a text message claiming to be from the IRS, offering an Economic Impact Payment.
- The Hook: The message urges recipients to provide their personal information to claim their funds.
- The Catch: The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails requesting sensitive details. Scammers use this information for identity theft, draining bank accounts or filing fraudulent tax returns.
Who’s Targeted:
- U.S. taxpayers, especially those who have previously received EIPs.
- Individuals unfamiliar with how IRS payments work.
- People who may be struggling financially and are eager for any financial relief.
Real-Life Example:
A phishing text spotted in North Carolina reads: “You are eligible to receive a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment. Please provide your accurate personal information. We will deposit the amount into your bank account or mail a paper check within 1 to 2 business days.”
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has emphasized that EIPs are processed automatically for eligible taxpayers—no action is required. The IRS will never request personal details via text.
Why You Should Care:
Falling for this scam could mean identity theft, unauthorized withdrawals from your bank, or even a fraudulent tax return filed in your name. The IRS warns that these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and tax-related fraud spikes during tax season.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Ignore and Delete – If you receive an unsolicited text claiming to be from the IRS, do not respond.
- Verify Directly – Check the IRS website or contact them directly if you have questions about your tax refund or stimulus payments.
- Report It – Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and report them to phishing@irs.gov.
- Monitor Your Finances – Keep an eye on your credit report and bank statements for unauthorized activity.
- Stay Skeptical – If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Quick Tips & Updates:
- Did you know? The IRS will never contact you via text, email, or social media for personal information.
- Pro Tip: If you receive a suspicious message, do a quick online search. Scammers reuse their tactics, and chances are someone else has already reported it.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Key Term Definitions:
- Phishing: A scam where fraudsters impersonate legitimate entities to steal personal information.
- Economic Impact Payment (EIP): Government stimulus payments issued to eligible taxpayers.
- Identity Theft: When someone uses your personal information without consent, often to commit fraud.
- IRS: The Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. government agency responsible for tax collection and enforcement.
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