Every year, the IRS releases its "Dirty Dozen" list of the most dangerous tax scams — and text message impersonation has appeared on it every year since 2020. Despite widespread awareness, IRS text scams collected over $5.5 billion from Americans in 2024.
The core rule is simple: the IRS does not contact people by text message. If you receive a text claiming to be from the IRS, it is a scam — no exceptions.
What IRS scam texts look like
Common IRS scam texts include:
- "IRS NOTICE: You have an unpaid balance of $2,847. Immediate payment required to avoid legal action. Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX"
- "Your tax refund of $1,340 is pending. Verify your account details to receive your payment: [link]"
- "URGENT: Your Social Security number has been suspended by the IRS due to suspicious activity. Press 1 to resolve."
- "IRS: You qualify for a COVID-19 tax credit of $3,200. Claim now before the deadline: [link]"
Notice the two main approaches: threats (you owe money, you'll be arrested) and offers (you're owed a refund, you qualify for a credit). Both exploit urgency and the authority of the IRS name.
How the IRS actually contacts people
The IRS communicates almost exclusively by postal mail. If there's an issue with your taxes:
- You'll receive a letter at your address on file
- The letter will include a notice number (CP or LTR) in the top right corner
- You can verify any IRS letter by calling 1-800-829-1040 (the official IRS number)
The IRS will never:
- Text, email, or call you without first sending a letter
- Demand immediate payment without giving you time to question or appeal
- Require payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Threaten to have you arrested for not paying immediately
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
Why these scams work on seniors
People who grew up before the internet tend to have a deep, automatic respect for government authority. A text claiming to be from the IRS triggers genuine fear — not because the person is foolish, but because they were raised in an era when government correspondence meant something serious.
Scammers know this. They specifically design IRS texts to target people over 60 with formal, official-sounding language and threats of immediate legal consequences.
What to do if you receive an IRS scam text
- Do not click any link or call any number in the text.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) — this reports it to your carrier.
- Report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov, including the sender's number and any link.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If you're unsure whether you have a real tax issue, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov.
What to do if your parent already responded
If your parent called a number from the scam text, provided personal information, or made a payment:
- Gift cards: Call the gift card company immediately — some have fraud departments that can freeze the cards before the scammer redeems them.
- Wire transfer: Call your bank within the hour. Wire transfers can sometimes be recalled if caught quickly.
- Personal information given: Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitor credit reports for new accounts.
Watchover can help prevent this in the first place. When your parent receives a suspicious text — including fake IRS messages — they can forward it to their Watchover number and get a clear verdict in seconds.