If you’ve gotten a text that says you’re getting a $1,400 check from the IRS—stop right there. That message isn’t from the IRS. It’s a scam, plain and simple.
What’s Really Going On?
Scammers are playing dirty by riding the coattails of something that did happen recently. The IRS sent out some $1,400 Economic Impact Payments back in December to folks who never got theirs during the pandemic. But here’s the key: those payments were automatic. No texting. No forms. No “click here to claim” nonsense.
If you were eligible, you got a letter in the mail, and the money should’ve landed in your account (or mailbox) by the end of January.
So What’s the Scam?
These shady texts say something like, “You’re approved for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment. Click here to claim it.”
Sounds official, right? That’s the point. But if you click that link, you’re either:
- Giving up your personal info to scammers, or
- Installing some nasty malware on your phone or computer.
And remember this: The IRS doesn’t text you. Ever. Not for payments. Not for back taxes. Not for anything.
What You Should Do Instead
- Don’t click anything. Delete the message.
- Don’t reply. That just tells them your number is active.
- Report it. You can forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) or report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.
- Check your status the legit way. If you think you missed a payment, go directly to IRS.gov. Never through a link someone texts you.
Bottom Line
If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers thrive on urgency and fear. They want you to act fast and skip the thinking part. Don’t let ‘em win.
Stay sharp out there—and if the IRS really needs to reach you, trust me, they’ll send you a good ol’ fashioned letter.
