Another day brings a new scam—this time, fraudsters are impersonating the IRS and asserting that taxpayers are entitled to a $1,400 stimulus check. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that scammers are dispatching fraudulent text messages containing links aimed at stealing personal information.
The IRS has emphasized that it never reaches out to taxpayers using text, email, or social media. Genuine payments are automatically issued without any required action from the recipient. If you encounter a suspicious message, officials recommend refraining from clicking the link and reporting it either to the IRS or the BBB Scam Tracker.
Richard Copelan from BBB Santa Barbara noted that tax scams appear every year with fresh variations, but impersonation of the IRS is consistently one of the most prevalent scams.
“It seems that this reoccurs annually, but each time comes with a new twist,” Copelan stated. “It’s important to remember that the IRS does not reach out to individuals proactively. That’s simply not how they function.”
Scammers frequently send deceptive emails or texts designed to mimic official IRS correspondence, claiming that the recipient has a pending refund but must provide personal information to obtain it.
“Naturally, if you provide your details, you could find yourself in a precarious situation,” Copelan cautioned, stressing that these tactics are intended to deceive victims into disclosing sensitive information.
The BBB and IRS suggest the following precautions to safeguard yourself against tax-related scams:
- Verify communications: The IRS only reaches out to taxpayers through postal mail, not via text or email.
- Avoid clicking links: Do not engage with links in unsolicited messages. Instead, check IRS.gov for reliable information.
- Watch out for urgency: Scammers often attempt to pressure you into making quick decisions. Take your time to verify before responding.
- Report the scam: Forward dubious messages to [email protected] and file a report at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
As tax season progresses, officials are urging residents to remain alert and skeptical of unexpected communications claiming to be from the IRS. Click here for further information on scams and preventive measures.
