Have you been contacted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) via email or text? Well, it may be a scam. With tax season ramping up, IRS impersonators are pulling out all the stops to trick you into clicking on insecure links to steal your information. According to the IRS Criminal Investigation Unit, there were more than $9.1 billion in tax fraud and financial crime cases in 2024.   

Here’s what you should know about fake IRS messages and how to protect your personal information. 

What do these scams look like?

IRS impersonators will send messages about your tax refund or tax refund eStatements, prompting you to click on a link or fill out a form to get your refund. Though these messages may look real, the IRS won’t contact you by email, text, or social media without your consent.

What happens if you click on the link?

If you click on the link, scammers might have access to steal your identity or put malware on your phone or computer. Malware is a harmful software installed on your device without your knowledge. Scammers use malware to steal your personal information, such as usernames, passwords, bank accounts, and Social Security numbers. To protect yourself from malware, you should:

• Turn on automatic software updates for your internet browser, operating systems, and mobile apps.
• Secure your home Wi-Fi network and avoid connecting your device to insecure networks.
• Never use unfamiliar websites to download free media like music, movies, or games.

In the end.

It’s important to remember that the real IRS won’t contact you via email, text, or social media without your consent. If you’ve been approached, immediately report the notification and avoid clicking on any links. If you’re worried about your tax refund, visit the IRS official website to learn more.

One thing to note: The IRS may allow email communication on a case-by-case basis. Learn more.

If you feel you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact FirstBank’s 24-hour customer service department at 1-800-964-3444 and report it immediately at IdentityTheft.gov. For more fraud prevention resources, visit efirstbankblog.com.

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Published: March 10, 2025