Security News > 2021 > March > Tax refund phishing scam targets university students and staffers
The IRS is warning of a phishing scam that promises refund information but looks to capture Social Security numbers and other sensitive data.
With tax season in bloom, cybercriminals have launched a series of phishing attacks aimed at university students and employees eager to receive potential tax refunds.
Spoofing the tax agency, the emails display the IRS logo and tout subject lines such as "Tax Refund Payment" and "Recalculation of your tax refund payment." Recipients are told to click a link and submit a form to claim their refund.
The IRS added that the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation are both aware of the scam.
Rather than respond to emails, those who think they're due a refund should check their status at the Where's My Refund page at the IRS website.
"People should always check the URL bar in their browser before entering any information into a form and should be aware that instead of following a link to another page, they can go directly to the IRS.gov website and check on the status of their tax refund or filing."