The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning Americans about a surge in IRS email scams designed to trick taxpayers into giving up personal or financial information. Officials say the schemes, including fake phone calls and text messages, are growing more sophisticated as tax season begins.
The IRS says criminals are sending phishing emails and fake notices that look official but are actually attempts to steal financial information. Many include a website link or attachment designed to collect confidential information, such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license details, or bank account information. Some messages use urgent subject lines to pressure victims into action.
Taxpayers are also targeted through fake phone calls or threatening text messages. Scammers often claim the recipient will face criminal charges or owe taxes unless they make an immediate payment. Caller ID can be manipulated so it appears that the IRS contacts taxpayers, when in fact the call is from a fraudster.
Another common tactic involves an email claiming the recipient is due a refund or must immediately pay a tax debt. These scams may demand a specific payment method, such as a wire transfer or prepaid debit card, neither of which the IRS uses. Messages may include fake security symbols like a locked padlock icon or pages marked “page last reviewed or updated” to create a false sense of legitimacy.
Fraudsters often target tax preparers because they manage sensitive records for multiple clients. A single breach can expose other financial accounts, leading to fraudulent returns or false claims and unexpected tax debt for victims. Criminals may also attempt to exploit valuable information stored in accounting systems during tax season.
The IRS warns that falling for an IRS scam can quickly escalate into identity theft. Stolen PINs or entered confidential information may allow criminals to file a false tax return or reroute a taxpayer’s legitimate refund. Victims often face long delays in clearing fraudulent claims and restoring their financial records, a process that can immediately bring hardship and stress.
The IRS has cautioned that tax scammers are increasingly active on social media channels, using misleading social media posts to spread fraudulent content. These often include links that promise fast refunds or claim to help those who owe money to the government. The posts are designed to trick people into giving up confidential information.
Scammers also use fake nonprofit appeals and fake charities to reach taxpayers during tax season. Messages may direct people to click a link or provide details like contact information, which can be exploited to commit fraud. Some schemes use scanned images or professional branding to make the appeals look legitimate, but they often include requests for donations through unsafe channels, such as a wire transfer.
The agency stresses that the IRS will not initiate contact with taxpayers through unsolicited email, phone, or social media. Instead, official communication is by mail or accessed through the official IRS website. Taxpayers should be cautious of any message that includes requests to share financial accounts or other sensitive data, such as driver’s license and Social Security numbers.
If taxpayers receive an email claiming to be from the IRS, they should not reply or click on a website link. Instead, they should forward the email as is or screenshots of the message to phishing@irs.gov. Reports can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission or the Inspector General for Tax Administration. By taking these steps, taxpayers can help the government remove valuable information from circulation and stop criminals from exploiting it.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued an alert on IRS email scams and other tax scams that misuse phishing emails, phone calls, and text messages to steal personal or financial information. Fraudsters impersonate an IRS employee, send an email claiming refunds, or pressure people into immediate payment through wire transfer or prepaid debit card. Victims risk identity theft, tax debt, and compromised financial accounts.
The IRS says it does not initiate contact by email or social media. Report scams via the IRS website or the Federal Trade Commission.
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