The nonprofit organization cautions that scammers are masquerading as the IRS, deceiving taxpayers into thinking they are entitled to a $1,400 stimulus check. This fraudulent scheme employs fake text messages that appear credible but are intended to extract sensitive information.
The deceptive text messages exploit real IRS information
The scammers design their counterfeit text messages using recent news about rebate checks being issued to millions of Americans. Blavity has reported that the IRS is set to distribute $2.4 billion to eligible taxpayers who missed out on receiving all their stimulus checks throughout the pandemic.
Taxpayers who left the Recovery Rebate Credit unclaimed on their 2021 tax returns are eligible for the $1,400 stimulus checks. The federal agency has dispatched these funds via direct deposit and U.S. mail, and most Americans should have received their payments by the end of January.
The BBB indicated that the IRS does not distribute information about stimulus checks through text messages or alerts. Instead, they send a letter to eligible taxpayers confirming that the funds will be dispatched to them.
How does the scam operate?
According to the nonprofit, the scammers send fraudulent text messages to taxpayers, falsely claiming details about their $1,400 stimulus checks and providing a timeline for when they should expect to receive them.
“Internal Revenue Service (IRS) You are eligible to receive a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment. Please provide your accurate personal information. We will deposit the amount into your bank account or mail a paper check within 1 to 2 business days.”
The message includes a fraudulent IRS link that could lead to a deceptive form or malware if the recipient clicks on it, as per the BBB.
“(Please reply with ‘Y,’ then exit the text message. Reopen it, click the link, or copy it into your Safari browser and open it.),” the scam message continues, according to the BBB.
The BBB warns individuals who receive these messages to avoid clicking on the link included in the text.
How to protect yourself from the scam
The BBB has shared essential tips for taxpayers to evade being tricked by deceptive text messages:
-Verify communications: Authentic IRS notifications are sent via postal mail, not through text messages or emails.
-Avoid clicking on links: Steer clear of links in unsolicited messages. Instead, visit IRS.gov for accurate information.
-Be wary of urgent messages: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to compel you to act rashly. Take the time to independently verify any claims.
-Report the scam: Forward any suspicious messages to [email protected] and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
