FTC Consumer Alert: The IRS doesn't send tax refunds by email or text 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an alert on January 23rd to alert consumers about a recent surge in tax refund scams targeting individuals through email and text messages. These scammers are posing as IRS representatives, sending messages regarding a "tax refund" or "tax refund e-statement."

Here's what your account holders need to know to help them stay protected:

Identify the Scam:

• • Be cautious if you receive an email or text message claiming to be from the IRS about a tax refund or e-statement. According to the article, "The real IRS won’t contact you by email, text message, or social media to get your personal or financial information. Only scammers will".

  • Scammers may use official-looking language to deceive you, but it's important to recognize that the IRS does not contact individuals via email, text message, or social media for personal or financial information.

Avoid Clicking Links:

• • Do not click on any links provided in such messages. Clicking on these links could lead to malware being installed on your computer or phone, potentially resulting in identity theft.

Verify Refund Status:

• • To check the status of any pending refund, use the official IRS website. Visit "Where’s My Refund" to confirm whether you are legitimately expecting a refund.

Spread Awareness:

• • Share this information with your friends and family to help protect our community from falling victim to these scams.

Report Suspicious Activity:

• • If you have clicked on a link in a suspicious message or shared personal/financial information, report it immediately to <FINANCIAL INSTITUTION>. We will put you in touch with a professional, certified Identity Theft Recovery Advocate who will work with you one-on-one to identify and resolve any suspected or confirmed identity theft.

Reporting Scams Other Than Identity Theft:

• • Report any other  instances of scams, even if you haven't lost money, to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud@ftc.gov.

Your account holders' security is our top priority, and we want to ensure that you remain vigilant against fraudulent attempts. To read the full FTC alert, click here.