Phishing irs gov email

The IRS is a common target for phishing scams, and it's essential to be cautious when receiving emails claiming to be from the IRS. Here's what you need to know:

What is phishing?

Phishing is a type of cybercrime where scammers try to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. They do this by sending fake emails, texts, or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as the IRS.

IRS phishing scams

IRS phishing scams typically involve emails that:

  1. Claim you owe back taxes or have a refund due.
  2. Threaten to suspend or revoke your Social Security number or driver's license.
  3. Ask you to provide sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers.
  4. Claim you need to update your tax information or provide additional documentation.

How to spot a phishing email from the IRS

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

  1. Urgency: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency, claiming that you need to take action immediately.
  2. Poor grammar and spelling: Legitimate IRS emails are professionally written and free of errors.
  3. Suspicious links: Be cautious of links that don't seem legitimate or that ask you to log in to your account.
  4. Unusual sender: The IRS will never send an email asking for sensitive information or requesting payment.
  5. Missing or incorrect information: Legitimate IRS emails will always include your name, address, and other relevant information.

What to do if you receive a suspicious IRS email

  1. Don't respond: Do not reply to the email or click on any links.
  2. Don't provide any information: Never give out sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account numbers.
  3. Report the email: Forward the email to [email protected] and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at [email protected].
  4. Verify the email: If you're unsure about the authenticity of an IRS email, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

Additional tips

  1. Keep your software up to date: Ensure your operating system, browser, and antivirus software are updated to prevent malware infections.
  2. Use strong passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for all accounts, and consider using a password manager.
  3. Be cautious with attachments: Avoid opening 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 the authenticity of an email or message, it's always best to err on the side of caution and report it to the authorities.