The IRS has issued a new warning about a tax scam spreading in June 2025 that targets direct deposit refunds and personal identity data. The agency says fraudsters are posing as IRS agents via text, email, and phone calls in an attempt to steal sensitive tax information.
What’s the scam?
Taxpayers are receiving messages that appear to come from the IRS, often referencing:
- A “refund verification” requirement
- An issue with a recent tax return
- A need to “reconfirm banking details” to receive a pending refund
These scams may include fake IRS logos, refund calculators, or links to spoofed websites. The messages typically ask for Social Security numbers, bank account info, or driver’s license numbers.
“The IRS will never contact taxpayers by text or email to request personal or financial information,” the agency said in a statement this week.
Who is being targeted?
While anyone can fall victim, the scam is disproportionately targeting:
- Taxpayers who filed electronically in early 2025
- Individuals still waiting on refunds
- Seniors and low-income filers using free tax prep services
The IRS says it has already received over 6,000 reports about the new phishing scheme since the beginning of June.
How to protect yourself
The IRS recommends the following steps:
- Do not click links in unsolicited IRS emails or texts
- Do not share personal data unless you’re certain of the source
- Use the official IRS.gov website to check refund status
- Forward scam messages to phishing@irs.gov
If you believe you’ve been scammed, file a report with the FTC and consider placing a fraud alert with one of the major credit bureaus.
What happens next?
The IRS says it is coordinating with federal cybersecurity agencies to track the scam’s source. In the meantime, taxpayers awaiting refunds should:
- Monitor their bank accounts regularly
- Avoid sharing refund details on social media
- Contact the IRS directly if a refund is overdue or suspicious activity occurs
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