Financial professionals are warning Americans of debt relief scams- specifically through phishing text messages.
Tax Relief Professionals at Ideal Tax say:
“There are many scams out there that take advantage of unknowing people who are stressed about their tax issues, such as their credit card debt, trouble with mortgages, student loans, or filing for bankruptcy. However, now instead of contacting you about a tax debt and making threats to get you to pay up, scammers are sending text messages about a ‘tax rebate’ or another tax refund or benefit. Whilst the text messages may look legit and mention a “tax rebate” or “refund payment”, it is important to be aware that no matter what the text says, it is very likely to be a scammer phishing for your information.
1. Never click on any links in text messages from the IRS
It is important to generally never share any personal information with an ‘organization’ who contacts you unexpectedly.
Legitimate contact will most often always be through an official letter through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service.
If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the letter, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
2. The IRS will never call, text or email for the first time
To contact you for the first time, the IRS will almost never send a text message or email.
They always start by sending you an official letter.
However, there are circumstances where the IRS will call or come to a home or business. This is normally when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, an unfiled tax return or has not made an employment tax deposit.
3. Always check the status of any pending refund on the official website
If you are in the process of receiving a tax refund from the IRS, you can check its status on the official IRS website.
4. Always report any unexpected text or emails from the “IRS”
Texts or emails claiming to be the IRS that raise any of the above red flags should be reported.
You can send a screenshot or an email to phishing@irs.gov as an attachment.
More info on idealtax.com
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