IRS refund scam: How scamsters duping US taxpayers by offering $1400 stimulus check

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a new phishing scam in which fraudsters impersonate the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to steal personal information from taxpayers.

According to KSBY, an NBC affiliate, scammers are sending text messages claiming that recipients qualify for a $1,400 stimulus check. These messages include links that, when clicked, harvest sensitive data.

"Scammers are posing as the IRS to deceive taxpayers into sharing personal information by falsely promising a $1,400 stimulus check," the BBB cautioned. "While these messages may appear legitimate, they are part of a phishing scheme designed to steal your data."


The IRS has clarified that eligible taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns will automatically receive payments by late January 2025. No action is required, and the IRS will send a confirmation letter to eligible recipients.

The fraudulent websites linked in these scams falsely promise direct deposits or check deliveries within "1 to 2 business days" after personal details are provided. The BBB warns:

"Clicking these links may install malware or redirect users to fraudulent forms asking for personal and financial details. The IRS does not contact taxpayers via text, email, or social media and will never request information this way."

According to IRS, e-filed returns take up to 21 days to process, while paper returns may take four weeks or longer. Amid concerns over potential IRS staffing challenges tied to Donald Trump’s proposed federal hiring freeze, the agency advises taxpayers not to rely on specific refund dates.

According to IRS, refunds could be delayed if your return requires corrections or additional review.

You can check your refund status on the IRS website, which updates refund information once a day, overnight. To track your refund, you will need:

• Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Your filing status
• The exact refund amount from your tax return
• Direct Link to Check Your Refund Status