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Tax Refund & IRS Scams

6 minute read

Tax scams work by making you fear a deadline or chase a refund. Do neither from a random link.

First moves

Do these before the deep dive

  1. Do not click tax refund or tax debt links from texts, emails, or social media.
  2. Go to IRS.gov, your tax software, or your tax professional directly.
  3. Never pay tax debt with gift cards, crypto, payment apps, or wire transfers.
  4. If identity information was shared, secure your email and use IdentityTheft.gov.
Words to use

Steal this sentence

I will not handle taxes through an unexpected link or caller. I will verify through IRS.gov or my tax professional.

Tax scams come in two flavors: fear and money.

Fear says you owe, you are in trouble, or someone is coming for you. Money says there is a refund waiting if you just “verify” a few details.

Both are trying to move you away from the official channel.

The Safe Channel

Use one of these:

  • IRS.gov typed directly.
  • Your tax software opened directly.
  • Your tax preparer through the number or portal you already use.
  • Official mail you can independently verify.

Do not use the link, phone number, or attachment from the suspicious message.

The Payment Test

Real tax issues do not require gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment apps, wire transfers to strangers, or secrecy.

If someone says you must pay immediately in one of those ways, you can stop listening.

If You Shared Tax Or Identity Information

Secure the email account tied to your taxes first. Then change your tax software password from the real site.

If a Social Security number, driver’s license, bank account, tax document, or IRS identity protection PIN was exposed, use IdentityTheft.gov. If money moved, call the bank or payment provider before filing reports.