Scam alert · February 4, 2027 · active
Tax season opener: 'your refund is ready' texts are back
With filing season open, readers are reporting texts and emails claiming an IRS refund is waiting and asking for a Social Security number and bank login to release it. The IRS does not text or email about refunds.
Don't miss the next one
The daily brief covers this and whatever's new tomorrow.
Free. Weekday mornings. Includes free access to In Case and Serum, the Latchkey tools. Unsubscribe in one click.
The message uses the IRS seal and a refund amount that sounds plausible ($1,247.36). The link opens a form asking for everything needed to file a fraudulent return in your name: Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license and bank account “for direct deposit.”
The IRS initiates contact by mail. It does not text, and it does not email about refunds. Forward the message to phishing@irs.gov and delete it. If you entered details, get an IRS Identity Protection PIN today so nobody can file as you. The full record on IRS impersonation.
Sources
Related
The scam
The IRS impersonation scamThe IRS impersonation scam is a call, text or email from someone claiming to be the IRS, demanding immediate payment of back taxes by gift card, wire or crypto under threat of arrest, or offering a refund you can claim by clicking a link and entering your Social Security number and bank details.
Lock it down
Lock down your Gmail accountYour email is the master key. Anyone inside it can reset the password on your bank, your Amazon and everything else.