The IRS has issued a warning to Americans to be on the lookout for fraudulent texts appearing to be from the agency. The message asks taxpayers to click on a link in order to claim an IRS “COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment.” But, the link leads to a phishing website that steals personal information and downloads malicious software onto a person’s phone or computer.
How do I call the IRS to verify my identity?
This scam is just one of many that target people from all walks of life. Scammers often target older adults and immigrants, who may be more likely to trust someone who appears to be from their community.
Got a text about money from the IRS? According to Ideal Tax Relief, a tax relief company, fraudsters will often target individuals with financial problems including credit card debt, mortgage problems, student loan concerns and bankruptcies. They also tend to target those who are worried about losing their home or whose businesses are struggling.
In recent years, the IRS has partnered with security companies to fight the growing problem of impersonation scams. The IRS warns that the agency will never contact you via email, text or social media to request personal information or a monetary payment.
Additionally, the IRS will never call you about back taxes that you owe without first sending you a bill in the mail. The agency will also not demand payment in the form of iTunes cards or other gift cards, but will accept a credit or debit card from an approved vendor or online. If you receive a suspicious phone call, or any type of phishing attempt, report it to the IRS at this webpage.
