"Most of us have probably received a text, email, or even phone message from the IRS or another tax authority. Often, the message claims that you owe money on some delinquent tax liability. Other times, it claims that a nice, big, juicy refund is waiting for you. Either way, the people on the other end are hoping you'll call back or select a link in the message to follow up. Ah, but that's not a good idea."
"These types of scams typically kick off with a text or email that appears to be from the IRS or a state tax office. The message tells you that your tax refund claim has been processed or approved. To verify your identity or account, you're asked to click or tap a link to enter such details as your bank account number or your Social Security number."
"The scammers now have your personal information, which they can use to get a legitimate tax refund, sell on the dark web, or take over your identity to open other accounts. Sure, many of the messages are obvious scams, at least if you know the warning signs. But people can still fall into the trap, especially if they're expecting a tax refund and don't stop to scrutinize the message."
Scammers send texts, emails, and calls impersonating the IRS or state tax offices, claiming refunds or delinquent taxes to prompt urgent responses. Messages often instruct recipients to click links and enter bank account numbers or Social Security numbers to verify identity or claim refunds. Providing those details lets scammers obtain legitimate refunds, sell personal data on the dark web, or hijack identities to open accounts. Many messages display clear warning signs, but expectation of a refund can lead recipients to act without scrutiny. The FTC issued an advisory urging taxpayers to avoid responding, report such messages, and delete them.
Read at ZDNET
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