Scam email claims you're getting large and unexpected tax refund from IRS
A surprise email from the IRS claims you're getting a large and unexpected tax refund. Of course, you'd like the money, but the message is the bait in a scammer's trap.
We talk about the IRS every spring as the tax filing deadline approaches, but summer is a prime time for IRS email scams.
In the last week, sister station WGAL heard from dozens of viewers who have received an email telling them that their tax return has been received, but certain inconsistencies or missing information require attention and clarification to get a tax refund of nearly $1,000.
The email includes a link to click on to fill out the required documents. As we've always told you, never click on links in suspicious emails.
The IRS said it's receiving hundreds of forwarded scam emails every day from concerned taxpayers.
The IRS is also receiving reports of emails urging people to "claim your tax refund online" and text messages that the person's tax return was "banned" by the IRS.
Scammers consistently try to entice people to click on a link.
Again, summer is a popular time for these scams because a lot of people who filed returns in the weeks before the April tax deadline may now be looking for their refunds.
Remember that the IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or social media.