Tax Returns with Portfolio, IRS form 1040. Photo source pexels dot com. Photo by Mark Youso.

The IRS doesn’t send text messages

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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 10:58 am

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Like most people, I tend to get a lot of scam text messages. Lately, they have been for Netflix renewal or my account has been suspended. I usually report them and delete them.

Well, today was the first time I’ve had a tax-related scam text.

The text message

The sender

The text message was sent from an email address. It tried to pass itself off as being a government email. But failed miserably it miserably I might add.

govlrsacnnt2023july8149@govlr.com

As you can see the sender tried to create an email address that used gov and IRS. Yet the rest gives the email away as a fake. I’ll talk more about this later on in the post.

Fake IRS text message. Sent from the following email address: govlrsacnnt2023july8149@govlr.com
Fake IRS text message. Sent from the following email address: govlrsacnnt2023july8149@govlr.com

The message

The message was very straightforward and wanted you to click on a link to help solve your tax issues.

The message includes bad grammar. It’s pretty clear that it’s a phishing scam.

MSG_lD509694:lRS You federaI return was ban-by the lRS.Don’t worry,we’II heIp you fix it. CIick this Iink> //risu.io/5WtEr

Tax scam text message
the scam text message reads: MSG_lD509694:lRS You federaI return was ban-by the lRS.Don't worry,we'II heIp you fix it. CIick this Iink> //risu.io/5WtEr
the scam text message reads: MSG_lD509694:lRS You federaI return was ban-by the lRS.Don’t worry,we’II heIp you fix it. CIick this Iink> //risu.io/5WtEr

This is a phishing scam

This text scam is definitely a phishing scam. it directs you to click on a link. This link would probably take me to a login screen or some sort of information-gathering request screen.

The way the message is worked is also a dead giveaway. It’s filled with spelling errors or misused words. I’d also like to point out this text was sent on a Sunday after 6 PM PST. This should be a red flag.

THE IRS DOESN’T SEND TEXT MESSAGES.

Please remember this. Also, take into consideration that your tax return can’t be banned. It can be refused or there may be a request to resubmit it due to a correction request.

Why was I sent this text?

Like every year you were able to request a tax extension for this tax season. The extension for this tax year up to October 15th.

I also think like most scammers they send out text messages at random hoping to strike fear in someone.

IRs resources

Once again let me say THE IRS DOESN’T SEND TEXT MESSAGES.

But the IRS does offer resources. You can visit this page to learn more.

I reported this text to the IRS.

Please don’t fall for this phishing scam.

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