IRS Warns Of Texting Tax Scam
The Internal Revenue Service is warning of a text scam that can trick people into giving up bank account information thinking they'll receive the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. IRS officials say they would never text a taxpayer asking for bank account information.
The scam text message says: “You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment …” The text includes a link to a fake phishing web address.
A news release from the IRS says "fake phishing URL, which appears to come from a state agency or relief organization, takes recipients to a fraudulent website that impersonates the IRS.gov Get My Payment website. Individuals who visit the fraudulent website and then enter their personal and financial account information will have their information collected by these scammers."
The IRS says anyone who receives this scam text should take a screen shot of the text message and include the screenshot in an email to phishing@irs.gov.