--- title: "IRS scam calls and texts: how to spot them | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/irs-scam-calls-and-texts source: TapSafely description: "Is that IRS message real? The warning signs, IRS's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ IRS # IRS scam calls and texts: how to spot them Scammers copy IRS because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake IRS message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short The IRS says it normally makes first contact by mail, only emails or texts people who have opted in, and never sends direct messages on social media. It does not make threatening, rushed demands or ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer. **Most common fake:** Unsolicited texts or emails about a tax refund or credit with a link to claim it. **Safest check:** Sign in to your IRS online account at irs.gov to see any balance or notices. Example · fake IRS message · Illustrative, links disabled IRS Notice: Your 2025 tax refund of $1,284 is on hold. Verify your identity within 24 hours to release it: irs-refund-verify[.]com An example fake IRS message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What IRS says The IRS says it normally makes first contact by mail, only emails or texts people who have opted in, and never sends direct messages on social media. It does not make threatening, rushed demands or ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer. Source: [Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud/report-fake-irs-treasury-or-tax-related-emails-and-messages) ## Common fake IRS messages - Unsolicited texts or emails about a tax refund or credit with a link to claim it - Calls threatening arrest or deportation unless you pay immediately - Demands for payment by gift card or wire transfer - Social media messages or posts promoting fake credits or refunds - Requests for personal or financial information to verify your identity ## IRS's real web addresses Genuine IRS links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **irs.gov** is real, but **irs-support-center.com** or **irs.gov.account-check.top** are not. - **irs.gov** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a IRS message safely 1. Sign in to your IRS online account at irs.gov to see any balance or notices 2. Look up any letter or notice using the IRS search for notices and letters 3. Remember first contact is normally by mail, and a social media direct message is never from the IRS ## How to report a fake IRS message - Email phishing@irs.gov (for texts use the subject Text and include the sender number, message, date and time), or forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). [Official details on irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud/report-fake-irs-treasury-or-tax-related-emails-and-messages) - Report IRS impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at tigta.gov. [Official details on irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud/report-fake-irs-treasury-or-tax-related-emails-and-messages) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real IRS website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-tax-refund-messages) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does IRS send messages asking for payment or personal details? The IRS says it normally makes first contact by mail, only emails or texts people who have opted in, and never sends direct messages on social media. It does not make threatening, rushed demands or ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer. How can I check if a IRS message is real? Sign in to your IRS online account at irs.gov to see any balance or notices. Look up any letter or notice using the IRS search for notices and letters. Remember first contact is normally by mail, and a social media direct message is never from the IRS. How do I report a fake IRS message? Email phishing@irs.gov (for texts use the subject Text and include the sender number, message, date and time), or forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). Report IRS impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at tigta.gov. I clicked a link in a fake IRS message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Report fake IRS, Treasury or tax-related emails and messages](https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud/report-fake-irs-treasury-or-tax-related-emails-and-messages) (Internal Revenue Service) - [How to know it's the IRS](https://www.irs.gov/help/how-to-know-its-the-irs) (Internal Revenue Service) - [Recognize tax scams and fraud](https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud) (Internal Revenue Service) ### 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 ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines Messages about tax refunds, benefit payments or unpaid fines are common scams. 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