IRS Refund Text Scam: How to Verify Your Tax Status Safely
Key Takeaways
- The IRS does not initiate contact via text: Any text claiming to be from the IRS with a link is fraudulent.
- Refund anxiety is the weapon: Scammers exploit your anticipation of money to bypass your skepticism.
- Specific dollar amounts are bait: "$4,827.00 pending" feels real because it is oddly specific - that is intentional.
- The trap is always a link: Every IRS text scam ends with "click here to verify" - the click is the attack.
- Official verification requires no links: IRS.gov/refunds is the only legitimate refund checker.
If an "IRS refund" text asks you to click, sign in, or verify with a code, stop. The IRS does not send refund notifications via text message. Verify your status at IRS.gov/refunds - a URL you type yourself.
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Why IRS Refund Texts Are So Effective
Tax refunds create the perfect psychological conditions for fraud: you are expecting money, you are uncertain about timing, and you want to believe the good news is real.
The IRS processes over 150 million returns annually. Most filers are owed refunds. A scammer does not need to know anything about you - they just need to send a message that sounds like good news at the right time of year.
The Psychology of Refund Scams
- Hope activation: "Your refund is ready" triggers anticipation. You want this to be true.
- Specific amounts feel real: "$4,827.00" is more believable than "$5,000" because real refunds have odd amounts.
- Urgency compresses thinking: "Verify within 24 hours" makes you act before you question.
- Authority bypasses skepticism: "IRS" carries weight. You do not ignore government communications.
- Loss aversion: "Refund will be cancelled" triggers fear of losing money you expected.
Real IRS Scam Messages (And Why People Fall for Them)
Example 1: The Pending Refund
What the message says:
"IRS: Your federal tax refund of $3,847.00 is pending. Verify your identity to release funds: [link]"
Why people fall for it:
- The amount is specific and plausible for a real refund
- "Pending" suggests the money is already yours, just waiting
- "Verify your identity" sounds like a reasonable security step
- The IRS does send legitimate communications, so this could be real
Safe response: Go to IRS.gov/refunds directly (type it yourself). Enter your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount from your return. This is the only legitimate way to check.
Example 2: The Verification Deadline
What the message says:
"IRS Notice: Action required. Verify your tax filing within 48 hours to avoid refund delay: [link]"
Why people fall for it:
- "Action required" creates immediate urgency
- "48 hours" compresses your decision time
- "Refund delay" threatens something you want
- It sounds like a routine government process
Safe response: Real IRS notices come by mail and give you weeks to respond, not 48 hours. Check your IRS online account at IRS.gov/account for any actual notices.
Example 3: The Additional Credit
What the message says:
"You may be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus credit. Claim before the deadline: [link]"
Why people fall for it:
- Stimulus payments were real, so this feels plausible
- "Additional" suggests you are missing out on money
- The deadline creates urgency
- The amount matches previous real stimulus payments
Safe response: Stimulus credits are claimed on your tax return, not through external links. If you qualify, your tax software or preparer will find it.
Example 4: The Problem Notification
What the message says:
"IRS Alert: Problem with your 2025 tax return. Your refund is on hold. Resolve now: [link]"
Why people fall for it:
- Fear of a problem with your return
- "On hold" suggests your money is stuck
- You want to fix it quickly
- The vague "problem" could be anything - you need to click to find out
Safe response: If there is actually a problem with your return, the IRS sends a letter by mail with a specific notice number. Check your IRS online account for any real notices.
What the IRS Actually Does (And Does Not Do)
| The IRS Will | The IRS Will Never |
|---|---|
| Send initial contact by postal mail | Text you about your refund status |
| Give you time to respond (typically 30-60 days) | Demand immediate action within 24-48 hours |
| Direct you to IRS.gov for online services | Send clickable links in text messages |
| Provide a notice number you can verify | Ask you to verify identity through a text link |
| Accept payment through official IRS channels | Request gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto |
What Scammers Get From IRS Text Scams
| What You Enter | What They Capture | What They Do With It |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Number | Your tax identity | File fraudulent returns in your name, claim your refund |
| IRS.gov login credentials | Access to your tax account | View your returns, change refund destination, file false amendments |
| Banking information | Direct deposit routing | Redirect your real refund to their account |
| Personal details (DOB, address) | Identity theft foundation | Open accounts, apply for credit, sell your identity |
What to Do If You Already Clicked
If You Clicked But Did Not Enter Information
- Close the page immediately
- Clear your browser history and cache
- You are likely safe if you entered nothing
- Consider running a security scan on your device
If You Entered Your Social Security Number
- File your tax return as early as possible to beat fraudulent filings
- Request an IRS Identity Protection PIN at IRS.gov/ippin
- Place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Consider a credit freeze to prevent new accounts
- File IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit)
- Monitor your IRS account for any returns you did not file
If You Entered IRS.gov Login Credentials
- Go to IRS.gov directly and change your password immediately
- Review your account for any changes to address, bank information, or filed returns
- Check if any returns were filed or amended without your knowledge
- Request your tax transcript to see all activity on your account
If You Entered Banking Information
- Contact your bank immediately
- Monitor for unauthorized transactions
- Consider closing the account and opening a new one
- Alert the IRS if you are expecting a refund - they may be able to flag it
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How Guardio Blocks IRS Phishing Before You Land
IRS scam pages are designed to look exactly like the real IRS.gov. Same colors, same layout, same official language. The only difference is where your information goes when you submit it.
- Real-time domain analysis: When you click a link from a text, Guardio analyzes the destination before the page loads. A fake IRS page on a domain registered yesterday gets caught immediately.
- Lookalike detection: Scammers register domains like "irs-refund-verify.com" or "irs-gov-update.net" that look legitimate at a glance. Guardio recognizes these impersonation patterns.
- Credential harvesting detection: Guardio identifies pages designed to capture login credentials by their behavior, not just their reputation.
- Cross-device protection: IRS scams arrive on your phone, tablet, and computer. Guardio works across all your devices.
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Report IRS Scams
- IRS: Report phishing emails and texts
- TIGTA: Report IRS impersonation
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM)
Related Guides
- Tax Season Scams 2026: Common Messages and Safe Steps
- Verification Code Text You Did Not Request
- How to Spot a Fake Text Message
Sources
FAQs
Is a text from the IRS always a scam?
Treat unexpected tax texts as suspicious, especially if they include a link or request personal information. Verify using official IRS resources you open yourself.
What should I do with an IRS smishing text?
Do not click or reply. Follow IRS reporting guidance and verify your status through official channels.
What if I already entered personal information?
Secure accounts, change passwords, enable two-step verification, and monitor for identity-related fraud.
Why do scammers use refund messages?
Refunds create urgency and curiosity, which increases the chance of a click.
Should I call the number in the text?
No. Use official numbers from the IRS website instead.
How can I verify without clicking?
Type official URLs directly or use official apps, then navigate to the relevant page from there.
