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IRS just issued a warning over this texting scam - watch out
By Anthony Spadafora published 29 September 2022 Don't respond to any text that claims to be from the IRS (Image credit: Shutterstock) Even though tax season is still months away, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a new warning to U.S. taxpayers regarding a recent surge in SMS phishing scams. Through these underhanded tactics, malicious cybercriminals are attempting to steal financial and personal information. According to the IRS, the agency has already "identified and reported thousands of fraudulent domains tied to multiple MMS/SMS/text scams targeting taxpayers". SMS phishing (or smishing) targets mobile users via fraudulent text messages. When a potential victim responds to these messages or clicks on any links they contain, a cybercriminal can then lure them to phishing sites that try to steal financial and personal information, including government or banking credentials. When dealing with the IRS, it's always important to keep in mind that the agency will never text or email you. Instead, it will always initiate contact via the U.S. Postal Service. However, the IRS may call or visit you in person in certain situations.
Common lures in IRS-related scams
(Image credit: Getty Images) Scam messages impersonating the IRS often use "lures like fake COVID relief, tax credits or help setting up an IRS online account" in order to trick recipients into responding. This latest campaign also asks taxpayers to click a link that leads to phishing sites, which then attempt to collect their information or to deploy malware on their devices. IRS commissioner Chuck Retting provided further insight on how widespread tax-related SMS phishing scams have become in a press release (opens in new tab): "This is phishing on an industrial scale so thousands of people can be at risk of receiving these scam messages. In recent months, the IRS has reported multiple large-scale smishing campaigns that have delivered thousands – and even hundreds of thousands – of IRS-themed messages in hours or a few days, far exceeding previous levels of activity." If you do happen to receive a suspicious text claiming to be from the IRS, you can report it to the agency at
[email protected] to help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
How to stay safe from SMS phishing scams
In a similar warning (opens in new tab) back in July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provided several tips on how to avoid falling victim to SMS phishing scams. First off, you should never respond to text messages from unknown numbers, or from senders that appear suspicious. Just as with phishing emails, you should also be on the lookout for misspelled words and poor grammar, along with texts that originate from an email address. Regardless of who sent the text message, you should always think twice before clicking on any links in a text message. For instance, if a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link, you should call them to make sure they weren't hacked. With texts from businesses, you should look up their number online and call them back instead of responding to the text. As we mentioned above, government agencies (including the IRS) almost never initiate contact by phone or text. While tax-related SMS and email phishing scams occur year-round, they usually increase in volume ahead of tax day. This is why you'll want to be extra-vigilant when checking your text messages or inbox in March and April. Next: I finally canceled cable with YouTube TV and saved a ton of money - but this is the big thing that's missing. Meanwhile a new iOS tool could be a malware nightmare, and this is how iPhone owners can stay safe.Today's best LifeLock Identity Theft deals1st year (opens in new tab)LifeLock Advantage (opens in new tab)$17.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)at LifeLock (opens in new tab)1st year (opens in new tab)LifeLock Ultimate Plus (opens in new tab)$26.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)at LifeLock (opens in new tab)
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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Anthony SpadaforaSenior Editor Security and NetworkingAnthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom's Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he's not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. More about security These 16 malicious Android apps have over 20 million downloads - delete them now Proton VPN Stealth protocol: what is it and why should you use it?Latest Daily Quordle #272 - answers and hints for Sunday, October 23See more latest ► Topics Security See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Daily Quordle #272 - answers and hints for Sunday, October 232SleepOvation mattress review (2022)3iPad Air 4 crashes to $469 before Black Friday - and it's better than the new iPad4House of the Dragon finale release date and time - how to watch online tonight5How to watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor online and on BBC iPlayer today1iPad Air 4 crashes to $469 before Black Friday - and it's better than the new iPad2House of the Dragon finale release date and time - how to watch online tonight3How to watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor online and on BBC iPlayer today4The MacBook Air M1 is on sale right now for $150 off at Amazon [Update]5Astros vs Yankees live stream: How to watch ALCS Game 5 online and start time