Wescom Credit Union
Wescom Credit Union | Building Better Lives for Southern Californians

Tax Refund Scams

As the April deadline approaches, many tax filers are expecting a big payday — and so are scammers. With only your name and Social Security number, crooks can open new credit accounts, lease apartments, and even apply for government benefits. Here's what you should know to help keep your data safe this tax season.

Tax Refund Scams | Wescom Credit Union

Tax Scams Go Phishing

While tax scams are nothing new, cybercriminals are now targeting taxpayers using emails and text phishing messages. Enticing subject lines that include the words “tax refund” often hook filers into sharing sensitive data. Victims report opening messages and seeing what appears to be official IRS communication with news of their pending tax refund.

The phony IRS notification directs the recipient to click on a link to either “check the status of your refund” or “view your tax refund e-statement”. The link leads to a form that requests your full name, Social Security number, and other private information. Even if you close the link, it’s often too late. You might have unknowingly downloaded malware designed to read every file on your device and transmit sensitive information to the scammer.

3 Ways to Avoid a Tax Refund Scam

  1. Be suspicious of unexpected IRS emails, phone calls, or text messages. Federal agencies typically initiate contact via U.S. mail.
  2. Do not click on unsolicited text or email hyperlinks. Malware can be activated with a single click.
  3. Visit the IRS website to check on your refund. Confirm the status of a tax refund at Where’s My Refund, an official IRS webpage.

If you receive an unexpected text or email from the IRS, do not respond. Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) or email it to phishing@irs.gov. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Doing so could help put a stop to this scam.

If you clicked on a link or shared confidential information with what you now believe to be a tax scammer, visit IdentityTheft.gov. This website helps victims of identity theft put together a plan of action based on their unique situation.

For more security tips or to report fraud, visit the Wescom Security Center at wescom.org/security-center.

« Back