Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using text messages to impersonate trusted organizations like the IRS, banks, and delivery services. These fraudulent messages often claim you owe money, have an unclaimed refund, or need to verify personal details. Falling for these scams can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or unauthorized access to your accounts.
Common Scam Tactics
Scam text messages—often referred to as “smishing” (SMS phishing)—typically contain urgent requests designed to trick recipients into acting quickly. Here are some common tactics used by fraudsters:
- IRS Scams: Messages claiming to be from the IRS regarding tax refunds, Economic Impact Payments, or account issues. The IRS does not initiate contact through text messages.
- Bank Scams: Fake notifications alerting you to unauthorized transactions or account suspensions, urging you to click a link to “verify” your information.
- Delivery Service Scams: Texts pretending to be from FedEx, UPS, or USPS, asking you to pay additional shipping fees or confirm personal details for a delivery.
- Account Security Scams: Messages from fraudsters posing as email providers, online retailers, or streaming services, warning of suspicious activity and asking you to reset your password.
How to Spot a Scam
While some fraudulent messages may look convincing, there are key red flags to watch for:
- Unexpected Messages: If you weren’t expecting a notification from the IRS, your bank, or a delivery service, be skeptical.
- Urgency or Threats: Scammers often pressure victims with warnings of account closures, late fees, or legal action.
- Suspicious Links: Hover over links (without clicking) to check if they lead to a legitimate website. Fraudulent links often contain misspellings or extra characters.
- Requests for Personal Information: Government agencies and banks will never ask for sensitive data like Social Security numbers, account passwords, or credit card details via text.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to text message scams, follow these best practices:
✅ Ignore and Delete: Do not respond to suspicious messages or click on any links.
✅ Verify with the Organization: If you receive a message claiming to be from your bank or the IRS, contact them directly through their official website or phone number.
✅ Report the Scam: Forward suspicious IRS-related texts to phishing@irs.gov or report them to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at www.tigta.gov. For other scams, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
✅ Block the Sender: Most phones allow you to block and report spam messages.
✅ Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts helps prevent unauthorized access.
Stay Vigilant
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, but staying informed can help you avoid becoming a victim. Always pause before clicking, verify any unusual requests, and report suspicious activity. If an offer or warning seems too urgent, it’s likely a scam.
For more information on IRS-related scams, visit www.irs.gov.