Scammers are getting craftier, using tactics to impersonate government agencies and creating fear and urgency to steal your personal and financial information. 

With tax season in full swing, cybercriminals are flooding inboxes with convincing—but fake—emails pretending to be from the IRS. These scams often demand immediate action, threaten legal consequences or dangle the promise of a surprise refund. 

Knowing how to spot red flags like suspicious links and pressure tactics can keep your identity and bank account safe. Let’s break down some real examples of tax scam emails so you don’t fall victim to their tricks.

Fake Email #1 

From: [email protected]

Subject: Urgent: Immediate action needed on your outstanding tax debt.

Dear [Your Name],

This is a final notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding your unpaid tax balance of $[large amount]. Due to non-compliance, your account is now subject to immediate legal action, including wage garnishment and asset seizure.

To resolve this issue, please contact us immediately at 800-123-4567 and provide your Social Security number, bank account details and current address to arrange a payment plan.

Failure to respond within 24 hours will result in further legal proceedings.

Sincerely,

IRS Tax Enforcement Division

How to spot the scam:

• Urgency and threats: Phrases like “immediate action needed” and “legal action” are designed to create panic and pressure you into acting quickly.
• Fake IRS sender information: Did you notice the sender’s email address? The real IRS domain is irs.gov, not taxgov.us. Scammers often use fake domains that look convincing at first glance.
• Request for sensitive information: This scammer wants it all! The email asks for your Social Security number, bank details and address! The IRS NEVER requests this information via email.
• Non-existent phone number: Scammers use realistic-looking phone numbers to trick victims. If you’re unsure, always verify by visiting irs.gov directly.

Fake Email #2 

Subject: Urgent: Claim your overdue tax refund - Click here now!

Dear [email protected],

We are notifying you that you are eligible for a significant tax refund of $[amount] due to an error in your recent tax filing. To claim your refund immediately, please click the link below and update your banking information to receive your payment within 24 hours.

http://www.irss.gov

Important: If you do not claim your refund within 7 days, it will be forfeited.

Sincerely,

The IRS Tax Refund Processing
     Center

How to spot the scam:

• Urgency and pressure: Did you see the use of “immediately” and “urgent”?  
• Check for typos: Look closely—”http://www.irss.gov” has an extra “s” in “IRS.” Scammers count on you not noticing small typos.
• Request for sensitive information: The email asks for an update to your banking information—a clear scam tactic.
• Generic greetings: Instead of using your real name, the email addresses you by your email handle: Dear [email protected] –another red flag.
• Suspicious call to action: Scammers often include urgent instructions to click a link. But where does that link really lead? It could be a phishing site designed to steal your information or even download malware onto your computer. Always verify IRS-related emails before clicking anything!

Fake Email #3 

Subject: Urgent: YOU’RE IRS TAX ACCOUNT IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DUE TO UNVERIFIED INFORMATION!!!!

Our system has detected irregularitys with you’re recent tax filing and as a securety measure, you’re IRS online acount has been temporerly suspended.

To re-activate and prevent further restriction, plz verify you’re personal informtion by clicking the link below IMMEDIATELY: www.irs-gov.us.com

Failure to update your detail within 24hours may result in the permanent susspention of you’re account and potential penalties.

Sincerly,

The IRS

How to spot the scam:

• Urgency and threats: The subject line uses ALL CAPS and multiple exclamation points to create panic and pressure you into acting quickly.
• Suspicious link: The website www.irs-gov.us.com is fake. Always double-check website addresses before clicking on them.
• Poor grammar: Did you notice errors like “detacted” (instead of detected) and “temporerly suspendeed” (instead of temporarily suspended)? Real IRS emails don’t contain sloppy mistakes like these.
• Strange phrasing and fake IRS branding: The email will never be signed off with just “The IRS.” 
• Request for personal information: Any request to click a link or provide sensitive details is a scam.

Remember:

• The IRS will never initiate contact with you by email or require you to communicate with them by email.
• Take your time reading the email and don’t overreact.  
• DO NOT provide any personal information.
• Report suspicious email to [email protected] and notify your local police department.