IRS Refund Verification Scam
A message says you have a tax refund waiting and must 'verify' your information to release it — a phishing grab for your SSN and bank details.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You get an email or text claiming the IRS owes you a refund that is ready once you verify your identity and bank information. The link goes to a fake IRS page that collects your Social Security number, date of birth, and bank or card details. The IRS does not initiate refunds or ask for verification by email or text, and it never asks for full financial details through a link.
What it usually looks like
- A promise of a specific refund amount 'ready to release.'
- A link to 'verify your identity' with the IRS.
- Requests for SSN, date of birth, and bank details.
- Urgency that the refund expires if you do not act.
Common warning signs
- The IRS does not email or text about refunds.
- You are asked for full SSN and banking details on a web form.
- The web address is not irs.gov.
- The offer is unexpected and time-limited.
Example wording scammers use
“IRS Notice: You are eligible for a $946.00 refund. Verify your identity to release payment: irs-refund-portal.info”
“Your tax refund is on hold. Confirm your SSN and bank account to proceed.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your Social Security number and date of birth.
- Your bank or card details.
- Enough to file fraudulent returns or open accounts in your name.
What to do
- Do not click; the IRS contacts you first by mail.
- Check your refund only at the official irs.gov 'Where's My Refund' tool.
- Forward suspicious IRS-themed emails to phishing@irs.gov, then delete.
- Never share your SSN through a link.
What to do if you already responded
- If you shared your SSN, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
- Consider a credit freeze with the three bureaus.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the IRS.