Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
It could be. An unexpected message promising an IRS refund is a reason to verify—not proof that the message is genuine. Don’t reply, click a link, or open an attachment. Instead, go to IRS.gov yourself and check your IRS Online Account or verify any claimed notice using IRS resources.
How to tell whether an IRS refund message is suspicious
The IRS says a letter or notice is its first contact method. It does not initiate contact through email or social media, and it sends text messages only with a taxpayer’s permission. In its Tax Tip 2025-46, dated July 8, 2025, the IRS says, “The IRS doesn’t make initial contact through email or social media channels.” Read the IRS guidance on how it contacts taxpayers.
That does not mean the IRS never sends a text. The IRS says, “We don’t send text messages without your permission.” It describes texts for people who have subscribed to a service and callback reminders they requested. The key question is whether you opted into a known IRS service or requested the callback. An unexpected refund offer, payment demand, or link is different. See the IRS guidance on reporting fake messages.
Watch for a combination of warning signs: unexpected contact, pressure to act urgently, threats, promises of refunds or credits, requests for personal or financial information, or demands for immediate payment. A refund claim can be the lure; it does not authenticate the sender. The IRS lists common tax-scam warning signs.
#1 Best Overall
What to do before responding to a claimed refund
- Don’t interact with the message. Do not reply, click links, or open attachments. IRS guidance specifically warns taxpayers not to engage with suspicious messages. IRS reporting instructions
- Check independently. Type IRS.gov into your browser rather than following a link in the message. Sign in to your IRS Online Account, or contact IRS customer service using contact details obtained from IRS.gov. If the message claims a mailed notice was sent, search the IRS notice and letter resources and verify it there. IRS guidance on scam warning signs and notice authentication
- Report the message using the right channel. Use the instructions below for a text or email. Reporting a message is separate from verifying a refund or notice.
How to report a fake IRS message
If it was a text
Email [email protected] with the subject line “Text.” Include the sender’s phone number, the message contents, your recipient number, and the date, time, and time zone when it arrived. The IRS also says you can forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). See the IRS text-reporting instructions.
If it was an email
Send it to [email protected]. The IRS prefers the original email or its full headers because those details can help identify where it came from. Forwarding the email as an attachment preserves more information than an ordinary forward. If those options do not work, provide the suspicious website URL. IRS instructions for forwarding phishing email headers
If it came through social media or claims to be a mailed notice
The IRS says it does not initiate contact through social media. Do not use contact details or links in a suspicious message; verify a tax issue through IRS.gov. A notice that appears to be from the IRS should be checked rather than dismissed solely because it looks unusual: search the IRS notice and letter resources, check your IRS Online Account, or contact customer service through IRS.gov. IRS advice on authenticating notices
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you clicked, shared information, or paid
If you clicked a link and entered personal or financial information, follow the IRS identity-protection guidance for the information you disclosed. If money or your identity was stolen, report the fake message and follow the IRS steps for people who have been scammed. Reporting the message does not by itself reverse a payment or repair identity theft; use the recovery instructions for the specific loss. IRS instructions for reporting fake messages and IRS tax-scam and recovery guidance
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
