Got a text about money from the IRS As tax filing season begins, the IRS is warning consumers to beware of phishing and smishing scams that attempt to steal personal information. As part of its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams, the IRS urges taxpayers and their tax return preparers to be on guard against a new text message scam that falsely promises a COVID-19 stimulus check payment.
Does the DWP send texts?
The scammers send a text to consumers with a link to a fake IRS website that appears legitimate and asks for information such as their name, Social Security number, address, phone number or bank account information. The message also asks them to provide a prepaid debit card, iTunes card or wire transfer number as a means of making the payment. Criminals are using the text messages to trick taxpayers into revealing their financial and personal information during a time of hardship, including a difficult COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS warns.
The IRS never contacts taxpayers by email, text or social media to request sensitive information. This includes PIN numbers, passwords or other access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts. In addition, the IRS doesn’t call or text taxpayers to demand a payment over the telephone. Taxpayers who owe money to the IRS will generally first receive several letters or notices in the mail before being asked to make a payment. To report a suspicious text or call, visit the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting webpage.