New Text Phishing Scam
The Security Summit (a partnership of the IRS, private sector, and state tax agencies) has released a warning. It was to taxpayers about a COVID-related New Text Phishing Scam. It deceives people into providing their bank information. The scam is generated by a text message claiming the person has received the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment (EIP). This is the text message that has been used: “You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment.” A phishing web address follows this text.
The IRS is reminding people that it will never use text messages to request banking information. If you receive the above text or something similar. Then you should take a screenshot of the message and phishing website link and email it to phishing@irv.gov. You should include the following information in the email: (1) date, time, and time zone that you received the message, (2) the number that appears on the caller ID, and (3) your number that received the message.
In these times, we at CAPATA urge you to be extra vigilant against what could potentially be phishing scams or fraud.
