(KTLA) – If you receive a text message stating that you will obtain a $1,400 check from the IRS, do not click on any links. The Better Business Bureau warns that this is a scam.
Fraudsters are posing as the IRS to deceive taxpayers into divulging personal information.
The message will seem to originate from the IRS, stating that you qualify for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and must provide your personal details to claim the funds.
“This IRS text is a phishing scheme. The message includes a fraudulent link that replicates an official IRS site. Clicking on it may result in malware or a fake form requesting personal or financial information. The IRS does not reach out to taxpayers via text, email, or social media, and they will never ask for information in this manner,” the BBB expressed in a statement.
These scam texts are inspired by recent announcements from the tax agency. In late December, the IRS disclosed that it would distribute $2.4 billion to 1 million individuals to assist those who missed out on their federal stimulus checks during the pandemic.
These payments, reaching a maximum of $1,400 per person, were automatically sent to eligible taxpayers who filed a return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
To steer clear of this scam, here are the recommendations from officials:
- Verify communications: Authentic IRS notifications are sent via postal mail, not through text messages or emails.
- Avoid clicking links: Refrain from clicking on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, visit IRS.gov directly for information.
- Exercise caution with urgency: Scammers create a false sense of urgency to compel quick action. Take your time to independently verify claims.
- Report the scam: Forward suspicious messages to [email protected] and report them at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
