Fake Tax Refund / Government Rebate Scam

Scammers impersonate government tax or revenue departments and promise a refund or rebate. Victims are directed to click on a phishing link or provide personal/banking details, which are then stolen.

I encountered this scam Learn common red flags
Primary example

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: Victim receives a text or email claiming to be from a tax authority (e.g., IRS, state department of revenue).

  2. 2

    Step 2: The message promises a refund and provides a deadline to create urgency.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Victim is directed to a phishing website or phone number to submit payment information.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Scammers collect sensitive data such as bank account details, SSNs, or login credentials.

✓ Do this

  • Verify tax refund status only through official government portals.
  • Check the sender’s email/phone number and website domain carefully.
  • Report phishing attempts to the IRS or your state’s tax authority.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not click on suspicious links or enter personal/banking information.
  • Do not trust tax-related communications that come via unsolicited text or email.
  • Do not reply to suspicious messages.

Quick tip: Verify independently

Don’t call numbers or click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official site or app and contact support from there.

See common red flags