As the tax deadline approaches, a new warning from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) aims to alert taxpayers about an emerging scam. With just weeks left until April 15th, individuals are urged to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities disguised as legitimate IRS communications. A recent surge in deceptive text messages claiming recipients are due stimulus checks has caught the attention of consumer protection agencies. These texts prey on unsuspecting individuals by offering enticing sums linked to outdated pandemic-era tax credits. However, experts emphasize that such messages are entirely illegitimate, urging citizens to avoid interacting with these scams and instead rely on official IRS channels.

In the midst of another tax season, authorities have noticed a troubling trend involving misleading text notifications. Melanie McGovern, representing the BBB, highlighted an alarming rise in scammers impersonating the IRS via text. According to her, these messages falsely promise recipients $1,400 refunds under the guise of pandemic-related tax incentives. The deception is compounded by the fact that there are indeed unclaimed refunds from previous years totaling over a billion dollars. Nevertheless, these funds cannot be accessed through any link embedded in a text message. The IRS strictly avoids using texting as a means of communication, making this method inherently suspicious.

What makes this particular scam particularly convincing is its alignment with real-life scenarios. Approximately 1.1 million people are eligible for unclaimed refunds from the 2021 tax year. For those who failed to file taxes during the specified period in 2022, their opportunity to claim this money expires on April 15th. Afterward, the funds revert to the U.S. Treasury. Despite the legitimacy of some underlying details, the BBB warns that clicking links within unsolicited texts remains perilous. Instead, taxpayers should consult IRS.gov directly or utilize trusted tax preparation software and professionals.

Taxpayers must exercise caution when navigating potential scams during this critical time. By steering clear of suspicious links and adhering to verified methods of accessing tax information, individuals can safeguard their financial interests. Relying on secure platforms like the IRS's online account service ensures accurate and safe handling of personal tax data. Staying informed and proactive is key to avoiding becoming a victim of these increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.