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
Fake Tax Refund / Government Rebate Scam 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.

Need help with a similar message?

Do not reply, pay, or use contact details in an unexpected message. Verify through the official app or website, then report what you saw so the Archive can connect related patterns.

Report a scam See common red flags Check a suspicious email

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