THE “TAX REFUND” SCAM:

Fact: The I.R.S. doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

Any email you get claiming to be from the I.R.S. may LOOK legit, and mention a “tax rebate” or “refund payment.” But no matter what the text says, it’s a scammer phishing for your information.