Irs email scams

The IRS email scams! They're a common and persistent threat to taxpayers. Here's what you need to know:

What are IRS email scams?

IRS email scams are fraudulent emails that claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other government agencies. These emails aim to trick taxpayers into revealing sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, passwords, or financial information.

Types of IRS email scams:

  1. Phishing emails: These emails may appear to be from the IRS, but are actually attempts to trick you into revealing sensitive information. They may claim that you owe taxes, need to update your information, or require you to verify your identity.
  2. Fake tax refund emails: These emails claim that you're eligible for a tax refund, but ask you to provide personal information or click on a link to claim your refund.
  3. IRS impersonation emails: These emails claim to be from the IRS, but are actually from scammers trying to trick you into revealing sensitive information.

How to spot an IRS email scam:

  1. Check the email address: Legitimate IRS emails will come from an @irs.gov email address. Be wary of emails from other addresses, even if they claim to be from the IRS.
  2. Look for typos and poor grammar: Legitimate government agencies are unlikely to have typos or poor grammar in their emails.
  3. Be cautious of urgent requests: Legitimate government agencies will not ask you to take immediate action or provide sensitive information via email.
  4. Verify the email: If you're unsure about the email, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to verify the authenticity of the email.

What to do if you receive an IRS email scam:

  1. Do not respond: Do not reply to the email or click on any links.
  2. Do not provide sensitive information: Never provide your Social Security number, password, or financial information to anyone via email.
  3. Report the scam: Report the email to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at [email protected] or the IRS at [email protected].
  4. Contact the IRS directly: If you're concerned about a tax issue, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

Additional tips:

  1. Keep your software up to date: Make sure your operating system, browser, and antivirus software are up to date to help prevent malware infections.
  2. Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, and consider using a password manager.
  3. Be cautious of attachments: Be wary of attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware.

Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with you via email or text message. If you're unsure about a tax-related issue, contact the IRS directly to verify the authenticity of the communication.