IRS Warns of Scammers Out Ahead of Official Tax Filing Date

Tax season begins on the 29th but IRS scams are already circulating.

If have gotten an email or text message about your tax refund, be aware that it’s a scam.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, IRS impersonators are sending messages about your “tax refund” or “tax refund e-statement.”

It might look legit, but it’s an email or text fake, trying to trick you into clicking on links so they can steal from you.

The email or text will tell you to click a link — supposedly to check on your “tax refund e-statement” or “fill out a form to get your refund” but if you click that link, the scammer might steal your identity or put malware on your phone or computer.

Also, if someone contacts you unexpectedly about a tax refund, the most important thing to know is that the real IRS will NEVER contact you by email, text message, or social media to get your personal or financial information. Only scammers will.

So if someone does reach out via email, text, or phone saying they’re from the IRS, here’s what to do:

Do not click on any links, and do not ever give out your personal information to anyone over the phone, email, or text.

Share what you know with friends and family members about the scam to help protect your community.

And if you clicked on a link in one of these messages, or you shared personal or financial information, report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a free, customized recovery plan.

If you see this or any other scam, even if you didn’t lose money, report it to the FTC at [email protected].