Don’t Click That “Tax Refund” Text — It’s Probably a Scam

Tax season is here. Refunds are hitting accounts. And unfortunately? Scammers are working overtime.

If you receive a text or email claiming your “tax refund” has been approved, pause before you click. That message could be a tax refund scam text designed to steal your personal information (and your money).

At Volt Credit Union, we want your refund to land in your account, not in a scammer’s pocket.

How the Tax Refund Scam Works

These scams usually start with a message that looks official. It may say it’s from the IRS or your state tax agency and claim your refund has been “processed” or “approved.”

Here’s the red flag:

They ask you to click a link to “verify your identity” so they can “release your funds.”

That link? It leads to a fake website designed to collect sensitive information like:

• Your Social Security number
• Your bank account details
• Your login credentials
• Other personal information

Once scammers have that information, they can:

• Steal your tax refund
• Access your accounts
• Open new accounts in your name
• Commit full-blown identity theft

And that’s a headache no refund can fix.

Here’s the Truth About the IRS

Let’s clear this up:

🚫 The IRS will NOT contact you by text, email, or social media to ask for personal or financial information.

🚫 They will NOT send you random links to claim your refund.

If someone is doing that? It’s a scam. Every time.

What To Do If You Get a Tax Refund Scam Text

If a suspicious message pops up:

1️⃣ Don’t click. Don’t reply. 

Even clicking the link can expose your information.

2️⃣ Check your refund status the right way.

Never use the link in the message. Instead, go directly to official government websites like USA.gov to find legitimate refund status tools.

3️⃣ Report it.

• Use your phone’s “Report Junk” option.
• Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM).
• Mark suspicious emails as spam or junk.

4️⃣ Delete the message.

Once reported, remove it from your device.

5️⃣ Protect yourself.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov for steps to prevent identity theft and to report it if necessary. You can also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Protecting Your Money Is What We Do

At Volt, we believe financial confidence includes knowing how to spot scams. When you stay alert, you stay in control.

If something feels off, whether it’s a tax refund message or any other suspicious activity, trust your instincts.

When in doubt, contact us.

We’re happy to take a look and help you figure out what’s real and what’s not. That’s what your credit union is here for.

Not a Volt Member Yet?

Your money deserves protection from a financial institution that puts people first.

Join Volt Credit Union today and experience smarter banking, real support, and security you can count on.

Let’s keep your refund where it belongs — with you.