Got a Text About Money From the IRS?
Got a text about money from the IRS? The Internal Revenue Service has seen a recent surge in text scams that impersonate the agency. The federal tax agency said this week that phishing attempts via text message, or “smishing,” are the latest instrument for fraudsters. In a news release, the IRS pointed out that it never contacts taxpayers by email or social media channels to request personal or financial information, such as PIN numbers or passwords for credit cards or bank accounts.
What happens after you verify your identity with IRS?
Instead, the IRS always sends letters through the mail before calling. That’s why the IRS says you should automatically hang up on any unexpected call if it purports to be from the IRS or another government agency and asks for prepaid debit or gift card numbers, wire transfers or other forms of payment over the phone. The IRS also says it will never impose a deadline for paying a bill or demand you pay back taxes you don’t owe.
If you do receive a letter from the IRS, it should include the IRS logo and a specific notice number that’s listed in the upper right corner of the page. It should also note the type of correspondence and the issue being addressed, as well as your rights as a taxpayer. You can find answers to most questions about any IRS correspondence online, or you can call the agency’s toll-free help line at 800-829-1040. However, if you’re concerned about the legitimacy of an IRS contact, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
