Every tax season, the same thing happens. As refunds start hitting bank accounts, scammers flood inboxes and phones with urgent messages claiming there’s a problem—or a bonus—with your tax refund. They’re convincing. They’re timely. And they’re costing Americans billions each year.
Related Page: The Top Scams and Fraud Threats to Watch for in 2026 (and How to Protect Yourself)
At our community bank, we hear about these scams every tax season from customers who almost clicked a link or already shared information before realizing something felt off. Let’s walk through how these scams work, how to spot them quickly, and what to do if you receive one.
Because a little awareness can save a lot of stress.
Scammers commonly pose as the IRS, a tax preparation service, or even a bank. You might receive:
These messages are designed to create urgency. Act now or lose your refund.
That pressure is the red flag.
No matter the wording, the scammer wants one of three things:
Once they have it, the damage can be serious—and hard to undo.
This is one of the most important things to remember.
The IRS will never:
According to the IRS itself, official communication typically begins by mail, not digital messages. You can verify this directly on the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scamsconsumer-alerts
Scam messages often include:
Clicking these links can install malware or send you to a fake website that looks legitimate—but isn’t.
Phrases like:
are meant to override your instincts. Real financial institutions don’t operate that way.
Scammers strike when people expect tax-related communication. If you’re waiting on a refund, the message feels plausible—even reassuring at first.
Today’s scams often include:
This isn’t sloppy spam anymore. It’s social engineering.
Even responding can confirm your number or email is active, leading to more scams.
If you’re concerned about your refund:
Never use contact information provided in the message.
Reporting helps protect others.
Take a breath. Then act quickly.
You can find detailed recovery steps at the FTC’s identity theft resource: https://www.identitytheft.gov
And if your bank account information may have been compromised, contact your bank right away. That’s what we’re here for.
At a community bank, security isn’t just a policy—it’s personal. We know our customers. We answer the phone. And when something doesn’t look right, we take the time to walk through it with you.
We also believe education is one of the strongest tools against fraud. The more you know, the harder you are to scam.
Scammers rely on panic and silence. We believe in clarity and conversation.
If you ever receive a message about your money that doesn’t feel right—tax-related or otherwise—pause. Verify. And reach out to someone you trust. That might be the IRS, a trusted advisor, or your local bank down the street.
We’re always here to help protect what you’ve worked hard for. That’s part of being a community.