How to Spot a Fake Text or Email About Your Tax Refund
According to publicly available guidance from the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), neither the IRS nor state tax agencies send texts or emails requesting personal information or to confirm a refund. Messages saying your refund was “processed” or “approved” and asking you to click a link are phishing attempts that can steal your identity and your refund. Check your status only on official government sites and report suspicious messages right away.
What a “Tax Refund” Scam Looks Like
Scammers send polished texts or emails that appear to come from the IRS or a state agency. The message claims your refund is ready and pushes you to “verify your identity” through a link.
The goal is simple: criminals want your Social Security number and banking details so they can take over accounts or divert your refund. The FTC has cautioned consumers that legitimate tax authorities do not contact you by text or email to request personal information. Messages requesting sensitive data through links are commonly associated with scams.
Red Flags You Can Spot in Seconds
Watch for these signs:
- Claiming that your refund is approved before you file
- Wanting you to confirm personal or banking data through a link
- Pressuring you to act now using urgent language
- Using a sender’s address or phone number you do not recognize
The presence of any one of these red flags should trigger caution. The FTC notes that real refund communications do not arrive by text or email and do not include links asking for sensitive information.
How to Check a Real Refund Status Notification
Go straight to official sources. Visit IRS tools through IRS.gov or USA.gov and avoid links inside messages. If you e-filed, the IRS often updates “Where’s My Refund” within about 24 hours, though timing can vary. Paper returns take longer, often several weeks, before the status appears. Do not rely on third-party links inside texts or emails. Navigate on your own.
What to Do When a Suspicious Message Arrives
Take these steps to reduce risk and help authorities track the scheme:
- Do not reply and do not click the link.
- Report the text by forwarding it to 7726, which flags spam for wireless carriers. Mark suspicious emails as junk.
- Report the incident to the FTC at [email protected].
These actions help you limit exposure and support broader fraud prevention efforts through government and consumer protection agencies.
Why Scammers Target Taxpayers with Complex Financial Situations
Taxpayers with more complex financial situations often manage multiple accounts or filings during tax season, which can create more opportunities for confusion or rushed decisions. Scammers bet that a convincing refund message will prompt a quick response. They may also assume that someone other than the taxpayer is screening messages and might click a link to “save time.” Awareness can lower the odds that a polished message turns into a costly breach.
These scams are not limited to any specific income or asset level and can affect taxpayers across a wide range of financial circumstances.
Practical Safeguards to Remember
- Create a personal rule: Never click refund links in messages. Type IRS.gov in your browser instead. The FTC underscores that real agencies do not request sensitive information by text or email.
- Use layered verification: If a spouse, adult child, or family office staff screens your inbox, set a house rule that any “refund” message gets verified directly on IRS.gov.
- Lock down key identifiers: Use a password manager, enable multifactor authentication on financial accounts, and consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN if appropriate for your situation based on IRS guidance.
- Document your filing timeline: Keep an at-a-glance log of when you filed, how you filed, and the refund method you selected. If a message conflicts with your log, treat it as a scam until proven otherwise.
- Plan for travel windows: If you spend part of the winter away from home, tell your household how you want suspicious messages handled while you travel.
If You Already Clicked
Act promptly. Close the site, change passwords on any affected accounts, and place alerts on your credit file if needed. Review recent transactions and enable transaction notifications if your bank offers them. Visit IdentityTheft.gov for a clear set of next steps tailored to what you shared and what you clicked. Report the message to the FTC and keep any screenshots or details that can support an investigation.
These are general consumer protection steps and are not services provided by Savant.
FAQs about Spotting a Fake Text or Email About Your Tax Refund
Does the IRS text or email about refunds?
No. The IRS and state agencies do not text or email to request personal information or to confirm a refund. Treat such messages as scams. Official tax information from the IRS is sent by U.S. mail.
How do I check my refund safely?
Go to IRS.gov and use “Where’s My Refund.” Electronic filers often see updates within about 24 hours. Paper filers usually wait several weeks.
How do I report a scam text?
Use your phone’s spam tools and forward the text to 7726. Mark suspicious emails as junk. Then report the incident to the FTC.
This is intended for informational purposes only. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this document serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Savant. Please consult your investment professional regarding your unique situation.