New IRS Text Scam Alert for 2025: How to Protect Yourself
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, preying on unsuspecting individuals by impersonating trusted entities. From pretending to be your boss requesting urgent fund transfers to mimicking Microsoft support with claims of a hacked account, the landscape of online deception is vast and ever-changing. One of the most pervasive and concerning impersonation scams involves bad actors posing as government agencies, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) being a frequent target.
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the watchdog responsible for overseeing the IRS, has issued a new warning for 2025 regarding a surge in text messages impersonating the IRS. This alert aims to raise awareness and equip taxpayers with the knowledge needed to identify and avoid these fraudulent schemes, safeguarding their personal and financial information.
Understanding the IRS Stimulus Payment Context
To comprehend the nuances of this latest IRS scam, it’s crucial to understand the backdrop against which it operates. The IRS has been in the process of disbursing COVID-19 stimulus payments, officially known as Economic Impact Payments, to eligible tax filers who may have missed them initially. These payments, worth up to $1,400, are being automatically issued to approximately one million taxpayers who qualify.
This initiative stems from the Recovery Rebate Credit, a provision that allows individuals to claim missed stimulus payments from 2021. If you were eligible for a stimulus payment but didn’t receive it, you can still claim the credit by filing your tax return by the deadline of April 15, 2025. The IRS will deposit these payments directly into your bank account using the banking information provided on your 2023 tax return or send a paper check to your address on file.
The Scam: Fake Texts Impersonating the IRS
Taking advantage of the ongoing stimulus payment distribution, scammers are actively targeting taxpayers with deceptive text messages. These fraudulent texts often claim that recipients are entitled to an Economic Impact Payment from the IRS. The messages typically request sensitive personal information, such as bank account details or Social Security numbers, under the guise of verifying eligibility or facilitating the payment process.
The IRS has unequivocally stated that eligible taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return will receive their payments automatically. No action is required on their part. Any text message requesting personal information in relation to a stimulus payment is a scam and should be treated with extreme caution.
Why These Scams Work
These scams are effective because they exploit people’s trust in government agencies and their desire to receive money they may be entitled to. The scammers create a sense of urgency and legitimacy to trick victims into divulging sensitive information. Once they obtain this information, they can use it to steal your identity, access your bank accounts, or commit other forms of financial fraud.
Protecting Yourself: Key Steps to Avoid IRS Impersonation Scams
Protecting yourself from these scams requires vigilance and a healthy dose of skepticism. Here are some essential steps you can take to safeguard your personal and financial information:
-
Install Strong Antivirus Software: A robust antivirus program is your first line of defense against phishing scams and malware. It can detect and block malicious links, warn you about potentially harmful websites, and prevent malware from being installed on your device.
-
Verify the Authenticity of Unsolicited Communications: If you receive an unexpected email, text, or phone call claiming to be from the IRS or any other government agency, do not immediately respond or click on any links. Instead, independently verify the authenticity of the communication by contacting the agency directly using official contact details found on their website.
-
Reach Out Directly If You’re Unsure: If you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of a message or request, contact the government agency directly through verified channels. Avoid responding to the message or clicking on any links within it. By calling or visiting the agency’s official website, you can ensure you’re communicating with authorized representatives and not a scammer.
-
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like "password123" or "qwerty." Instead, create complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
-
Monitor Your Tax Account: Regularly check your IRS account at www.irs.gov to confirm the status of your tax return, verify that no unauthorized tax filings have occurred, and update your personal and contact information as needed.
-
Report Suspicious Tax-Related Activities Immediately: If you suspect a scam or fraudulent activity, report it to the relevant authorities, such as the IRS or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), right away. Reporting helps prevent further harm and allows law enforcement to track and prosecute scammers.
-
Invest in Personal Data Removal Services: Use a personal data removal service to remove your personal information from data broker and people-finder sites. Scammers often use these sites to find phone numbers and email addresses, which they can then use for their schemes.
-
Use Direct Deposit for Refunds: Opt for direct deposit when receiving your tax refunds. This is the safest way to receive your money, reducing the risk of mail theft, forgery, or fraudulent check cashing.
-
Be Wary of Spoofed Websites: When accessing tax preparation websites, type the address directly into your browser rather than clicking on a link from an email or advertisement. Carefully investigate the domain name before entering any confidential information.
-
Use an Identity Theft Protection Service: Consider using an identity theft protection service to monitor your personal and financial information and alert you to any suspicious activity. These services can help you detect and prevent identity theft and provide assistance if your identity is compromised.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
- Unsolicited contact from the IRS via text message or email asking for personal information. The IRS typically communicates through mail or phone calls.
- Threats of legal action or immediate consequences if you don’t comply.
- Requests for payment using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency. The IRS does not accept these forms of payment.
- Typos, grammatical errors, or unprofessional language in the message.
The Growing Role of AI in Scams
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used by scammers to create more convincing and sophisticated impersonation schemes. AI can be used to generate realistic-sounding voices, create fake websites that closely resemble legitimate ones, and personalize phishing emails to make them more targeted and believable.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
Tax season is a prime time for IRS impersonation scams. By staying informed about the latest scams and taking proactive steps to protect your personal and financial information, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Remember, the IRS will never ask for sensitive information through unsolicited text messages or emails. If you receive such a message, treat it as a red flag and take steps to verify its authenticity before taking any action.
