The North Carolina Department of Revenue has issued a warning about a phishing scam targeting taxpayers across the state. Officials say criminals are impersonating tax employees through phone calls, emails, and text messages to trick residents into revealing personal details or making fraudulent payments. The alert highlights growing risks of identity theft and tax fraud during filing season.
Criminals are contacting residents through emails, phone calls, and text messages that appear to come from the state tax office. These fraudulent messages often demand immediate payment for taxes owed, threaten legal action, or promise a refund if the recipient clicks a link or submits a form. Some schemes even use spoofed caller ID numbers to make the calls appear legitimate.
The Department of Revenue stressed that it does not initiate contact with a taxpayer through random messages, texts, or emails demanding money. Instead, legitimate communications begin with a notice sent by mail. The agency will never require payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. Taxpayers should be suspicious of any request for immediate payment that allows no chance to respond or verify the claim.
When conducting official collections or audits, state agents follow established procedures. For example, they may visit a business or individual only after written notification has been mailed. In addition, they must provide identification and explain the process clearly. NCDOR employees working from the office will always give taxpayers an opportunity to question or resolve amounts owed before enforcement.
Falling for these schemes can make an individual a victim of tax fraud, exposing sensitive financial information and enabling criminals to file fraudulent returns. Once false forms are submitted, it can take months for an agency to complete an investigation and help the taxpayer resolve the issue. Officials note that the longer a victim waits to report suspicious activity, the harder it becomes to protect accounts and prevent further damage.
Phishing scams linked to tax fraud are not unique to North Carolina. The IRS and state agencies nationwide report a steady rise in fraudulent schemes, particularly during tax season when millions of individuals and businesses are preparing to submit returns. Scammers exploit the pressure and deadlines of filing, sending urgent messages that appear to come from legitimate offices.
Federal officials warn that criminals are now using “smishing”—phishing through text messages—along with spoofed phone numbers and counterfeit websites. These tactics allow fraudsters to trick taxpayers into handing over Social Security numbers, bank account details, or even full copies of tax forms. In some cases, victims only realize what has happened when they receive a notice that a fraudulent return has already been filed in their name.
In North Carolina, the Department of Revenue has adopted enhanced verification and security checks to better resolve suspicious filings. While these safeguards protect taxpayers, they may also delay refunds as the agency conducts its investigations and works to complete fraud reviews.
North Carolina Department of Revenue Secretary Ronald G. Penny said the agency is working to safeguard sensitive information while educating the public about scam tactics. “We want every taxpayer to know what our office will and will not do,” Penny noted. “Legitimate agents always send a notice by mail before taking any collection action, and they never demand payment through text or email.”
The Internal Revenue Service has also warned about evolving threats. An IRS spokesperson explained that phishing often begins with a message promising a refund or threatening legal action for unpaid taxes owed. “Fraudsters rely on fear or urgency to push victims to respond quickly, whether by clicking a link or providing personal details over the phone,” the agency said.
Cybersecurity analysts add that the use of spoofed caller ID numbers and cloned websites makes it difficult for individuals to distinguish scams from legitimate agency contacts. They emphasize the need for residents to verify communications directly with official offices before providing information or submitting a payment request.
State officials advise taxpayers to be cautious with unexpected messages, emails, or phone calls claiming taxes are owed. If you receive a suspicious notice or request, do not click links, send money, or provide personal details. Instead, always verify by contacting the NCDOR directly through its official website or published office number.
Anyone who believes they are a victim of tax fraud should immediately submit a report to the state tax agency and the IRS. Both agencies will guide individuals through steps to resolve fraudulent activity and protect their accounts during an investigation.
In addition, officials stress that legitimate representatives will never initiate contact demanding instant payment. Taxpayers will always have the opportunity to respond, appeal, and complete the process through proper channels before any collections begin.
Taxpayers in North Carolina can access detailed fraud prevention guidance directly from the Department of Revenue. The agency provides resources explaining how to verify communications, recognize scams, and resolve issues if you become a victim.
In addition, the IRS and state tax offices encourage taxpayers to keep copies of every form they submit, review each notice carefully, and contact official offices if they receive a suspicious message by email, fax, phone, or text message. Quick reporting not only helps individuals but also supports ongoing fraud investigations at the state and federal levels.
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