Let’s suppose you receive an email from the Internal Revenue Service regarding your tax return. The news is that you are due a big refund. The agent asks you to submit banking information to deposit your refund directly into your bank account. You have already submitted this information when you file your taxes. So, why are they asking for your bank account information?
You are directed to either reply to the email directly or follow the link to an official-looking website the scammer has directed you to. You land on a page that displays the IRS’s logo. Of course, there would be nothing wrong with entering your banking information, if it was the government. But in this case, it’s not. You could lose your life’s savings if you fall for this one. Verify by calling the IRS to inquire if they sent you an email or called you. Look up the telephone number of the IRS and call that number.
The IRS sends out official notification letters through the United States Postal Service. They will inform the taxpayer of any additional documentation needed along with instructions on how to submit the requested information. They will never call or email the taxpayer asking for personal or financial information without you first having established contact with them.
You should never provide personal or financial information through an email or link from an unknown person. Remember, you have given this information if you opted for a direct deposit at the time of filing your taxes. Otherwise, the IRS would mail you a check at the address on the return.