Fake Tax Refund & IRS Texts — It’s a Scam
🧾🚫 Fake Tax Refund & IRS Texts — It’s a Scam
Scammers are sending messages pretending to be from the Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) or the IRS. These texts or emails often promise a refund, tax credit, or stimulus payment and include a link to “confirm” your details. The sites mimic official logos to steal your personal and financial information.
💸 Common ODT & IRS Scam Tactics:
“Your tax refund request has been approved and is pending release.”
Texts about fake tax credits or stimulus payments.
Emails or DMs from accounts posing as the IRS or ODT.
Links to fake websites that copy official branding.
Threats of arrest, license suspension, or legal action unless you act now.
🚨 Warning Signs:
ODT never contacts taxpayers by text.
The IRS doesn’t initiate contact by email, text, or social media.
Any link that isn’t the official tax.ohio.gov or irs.gov.
Urgent or threatening messages demanding immediate action.
Requests for payment through Bitcoin, wire transfer, gift cards, or prepaid cards.
🛡️ Protect Yourself:
Do not click suspicious links or respond to texts.
Go directly to tax.ohio.gov or irs.gov for official info.
Never share personal or financial information over text or social media.
Verify IRS letters by checking your IRS Online Account or reviewing official IRS notices.
🧰 Helpful Resources:
IRS: Ways to tell if the IRS is reaching out or if it’s a scammer
DOT: Warns of New Text Message Scam Including Website Impersonation
📍 If You’ve Been Scammed:
Stop all contact immediately.
Report to your local law enforcement.
Notify credit reporting agencies if your info may be compromised.
Report IRS-related scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
