--- title: "Fake tax refund text or email? How to check | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-tax-refund-messages source: TapSafely description: "Messages about tax refunds, benefit payments or unpaid fines are common scams. Learn how tax offices really contact you and how to check safely." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/ Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines # Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines “You are eligible for a tax refund of 312.60.” “Your benefit payment is ready.” “You have an unpaid fine. Pay now to avoid court.” Good news or a threat, the goal is the same: your card and identity details. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 · 3 min read ## In short Messages about tax refunds, benefit payments or unpaid fines are common scams. Learn how tax offices really contact you and how to check safely. **Top warning signs:** You're told to claim a refund by clicking a link; Threats of arrest or immediate court action; Payment by gift card, crypto or transfer to a personal account. **First thing to do:** Log in to your tax or government account by typing the official address yourself, or use the official app. Any real refund or debt will be shown there. Example · Email · Illustrative, links disabled Tax Refund Service Dear Customer, After the last annual calculation of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of 312.60. Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 3-5 days to process it. Claim your refund: taxrefund-portal[.]info/claim An example scam message with the warning signs highlighted. ## How the scam works Fake government messages copy logos and official-sounding language. Refund versions promise money. Fine and tax-debt versions threaten penalties, court action or even arrest. The link leads to a copy of a government portal asking for your ID details, bank login or card. Phone versions may demand immediate payment by gift card or crypto “to avoid arrest”. ## Red flags to look for - **You're told to claim a refund by clicking a link.** Tax offices generally don't send refund links by text or email. - **Threats of arrest or immediate court action.** Real authorities send letters and give you time and ways to query. - **Payment by gift card, crypto or transfer to a personal account.** No government takes these. - **The website address isn't the official government domain.** Look for the official domain (for example **gov.uk**, **irs.gov**, **canada.ca**, **gov.in**, **gov.br**, **gob.mx**) as the ending of the address. ## What to do if you get one 1. Log in to your tax or government account by typing the official address yourself, or use the official app. Any real refund or debt will be shown there. 2. Forward phishing emails to your government's reporting address if it has one (for example **report@phishing.gov.uk** in the UK). [Find yours](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). 3. If someone calls threatening arrest, hang up. Real officials won't mind you calling back through the official number. ## If you already paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. Contact your bank about any payment or card details you entered. 2. If you shared ID documents or your national insurance or social security number, contact the tax office and consider an identity-theft protection or credit monitoring service. 3. Report it to the national fraud service. More help: [what to do after a scam, and where to report it in your country](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Can the tax office text me at all? Some tax offices do send texts, for example reminders, but they won't ask for bank details or send refund links. When in doubt, log in yourself. ## Official sources and further reading We check our guides against advice from government agencies and consumer protection bodies. - [Recognize tax scams and fraud](https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud) (US Internal Revenue Service) - [Identify tax scam phone calls, emails and text messages](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/identify-hmrc-related-scam-phone-calls-emails-and-text-messages) (HM Revenue and Customs, GOV.UK) - [Phishing (includes fake Canada Revenue Agency messages)](https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/phishing-hameconnage-eng.htm) (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### On this page 1. [How it works](#how) 2. [Red flags](#red-flags) 3. [What to do](#what-to-do) 4. [If you already paid](#already-paid) 5. [Questions](#faq) 6. [Sources](#sources) ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report?category=government) ## Related guides [Guide ### “Unpaid toll” and parking-fine texts A text says you owe a small toll or parking fine and will face penalties unless you pay now. Here's how to tell fake tol… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/unpaid-toll-parking-texts)[Guide ### Fake delivery texts and customs-fee scams Got a text saying your parcel is on hold until you pay a small fee? 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