The IRS asks people to be vigilant and reminds them that the federal agency NEVER initiates contact with taxpayers via email, text messages, or social media to request personal or financial information.
The IRS on Monday alerted people to unsolicited emails posing as the agency to steal Child Credit payments after fraudulently obtaining the families' personal and financial information.
But what should I do if I receive an email claiming to be from the IRS containing a request for personal information, taxes associated with a large investment, inheritance, or lottery?
The agency asks that you DO NOT ANSWER IT.
Also do not open any attachments. They can contain malicious code that can infect your computer or mobile phone.
Please do not click on any links. You can visit the identity protection page if you clicked links in a suspicious email or website and entered confidential information.
Forward that email as is to the agency at phishing@irs.gov. Do not resend scanned images as this removes valuable information.
Delete the original email.
How do I check if the information is from the IRS?
Visit the IRS home page and look on the letter, notice, or form number. Keep in mind that imposters often modify legitimate IRS letters and forms. You can also find information in understanding your IRS letters or notices or by searching forms and publications. For additional information, please see "How to determine if the IRS is really knocking on your door."
If it is legitimate, you will find instructions on how to answer. If completion of a form is required and is provided by a questionable contact, you should verify that the form is identical to the same form on IRS.gov and look at Forms and Instructions. If you cannot find information on the website or the instructions are different than what you were told to do in the letter, notice or form, go to the appropriate online resources.