For years scammers have posed as the IRS in emails, text messages and phone calls luring people to make payments or provide personal information that leads to identity theft.  Often these emails and text messages may contain links or QR codes that when clicked on or scanned may download malware.  These phishing and smishing (phishing done by text message) communications appear quite legitimate thanks to AI which makes it very simple to create convincing messages that contain the familiar IRS logo.  Fortunately, there is an easy way to know immediately if that call, email or text message you receive is actually coming from the IRS.  It isn’t.  The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by text messages, emails or phone call and does not ask you to submit bank account information via email, text message or over the phone.

Recently, however, the IRS sent out over 1.4 million CP53E notices to taxpayers advising them to update their bank account information with the IRS within 30 days for direct deposit of refunds.  This notice is being sent out pursuant to an Executive Order regarding transitioning from paper checks to electronic payments and deposits.  The problem is that these new notices contain a QR code that takes you to the IRS website.  The IRS has not used QR codes in the past and the use of a QR code in this notice is immediately suspicious.  Complicating the situation even further is the fact that many people who are not owed refunds have received this letter by error which makes the letter appear even more suspicious.

Scammers are leaping at the opportunity provided by these notices and are sending phony letters that appear to come from the IRS with QR codes that when scanned will take you to an AI created, legitimate appearing, phony IRS website where you will be prompted to provide your banking information to the scammer, which, if done will lead to identity theft.

So how can you tell if the letter you got from the IRS is legitimate?

TIPS

The short answer to that question is that you can’t tell when you get one of these notices whether or not it was sent by the IRS or your friendly neighborhood scam artist.  As I always say, trust me, you can’t trust anyone.  Therefore the only safe way to respond to this letter is to go directly to your IRS online account.   Here is a link you can trust that will take you to your IRS online account or help you set up an IRS online account if you don’t already have one. https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals

You also can go to the IRS’ Where’s My Refund site for information about your refund or call the IRS customer service number at 1-800-829-1040 for help.

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