Tax season is a prime time for fraudsters to target unsuspecting taxpayers. In 2025, one of the most common scams revolved around a fake $1,400 stimulus payment, misleading people into providing their personal and financial information.
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Scam
Scammers send text messages claiming that the recipient is eligible for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment. The message often reads:
“You are eligible to receive an economic impact payment of $1,400. Please provide your accurate personal information. We will deposit the amount into your bank account or send you a paper check within 1 to 2 business days.”
These messages typically contain a fraudulent IRS link, tricking people into clicking and submitting their personal details. However, the IRS never sends unsolicited text messages or emails asking for personal information, and all legitimate stimulus payments were automatically deposited without requiring any additional paperwork.
Taxpayers
Fraudulent activities, including phishing emails and fake tax credit claims, escalate during tax season. Scammers know that people are expecting tax refunds, stimulus payments, or IRS notices, making them more vulnerable to deceptive tactics.
The IRS did distribute payments to those who didn’t claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return. However, this was handled automatically, and no separate action was required.
Protect Yourself
The IRS and Better Business Bureau (BBB) have issued warnings about phishing and smishing scams, urging taxpayers to ignore, delete, and report fraudulent messages.
Steps
- Do not respond or click any links. Scammers use urgency to pressure victims into revealing sensitive information.
- Delete the message immediately. If your phone allows it, mark the message as “report junk” or “report phishing.”
- Report the scam:
- Forward the message to phishing@irs.gov.
- File a complaint with the BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
- Report suspicious texts to your phone carrier.
Fraud Prevention Tips
- Verify IRS notices. The IRS primarily contacts taxpayers via official mail, not texts or emails.
- Be skeptical of urgent requests. Scammers use urgency to make you act quickly.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links. These could lead to fake IRS websites designed to steal your identity.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are getting more creative each year, and tax season is one of their favorite times to strike. If you receive a suspicious message regarding IRS payments, remember that the IRS will never request sensitive information via text or email.
Stay informed, protect your data, and report any scams to help prevent others from falling victim.
FAQs
Does the IRS send texts about stimulus payments?
No, the IRS never sends unsolicited text messages about payments.
How do I report a phishing scam?
Forward the message to phishing@irs.gov and report it to the BBB.
What should I do if I clicked a scam link?
Run a security scan, change passwords, and report the incident.
How can I verify an IRS notice?
Check the official IRS website or call their support line.
Are $1,400 stimulus payments real in 2025?
No new stimulus checks were announced; scammers use fake offers.
