Tax refund email scam 2015

The infamous tax refund email scam of 2015!

In 2015, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) warned taxpayers about a widespread email scam that targeted individuals, claiming to be from the IRS, and attempting to trick them into revealing sensitive financial information.

Here's how the scam worked:

  1. Scammers sent fake emails to taxpayers, claiming to be from the IRS, with subject lines like "Tax Refund Update" or "Important Tax Information."
  2. The emails would state that the taxpayer was eligible for a refund, but that it was being held due to some issue, such as an "unresolved tax issue" or "missing information."
  3. The email would then ask the taxpayer to click on a link or provide personal and financial information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and passwords, to resolve the issue.
  4. The scammers would use this information to steal the taxpayer's identity and commit fraud.

The IRS issued a warning about this scam, stating that it was a phishing scheme designed to trick taxpayers into revealing sensitive information. The agency emphasized that the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email or text message to request personal or financial information.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, the IRS provided the following tips:

  1. Be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS.
  2. Never click on links or provide personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited email.
  3. Legitimate IRS communications will never ask for sensitive information via email or text message.
  4. If you're unsure about the authenticity of an email or phone call claiming to be from the IRS, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

The IRS also provided a list of red flags to watch out for, including:

If you received an email claiming to be from the IRS and you're unsure about its authenticity, report it to the IRS at [email protected] or forward it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at [email protected].

Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with you via email or text message to request personal or financial information. If you're unsure about the authenticity of an email or phone call claiming to be from the IRS, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact the IRS directly.