Fake IRS Stimulus-Payment Phishing Scam
Scammers send phishing messages impersonating the IRS and claiming recipients are entitled to unclaimed stimulus payments or Economic Impact Payments, directing them to fake IRS portals to enter banking and identity information. The real IRS distributes economic impact payments automatically based on filed tax returns and never solicits bank details through unsolicited digital messages.
Part of: Fake Stimulus Payment Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
When the US government distributes Economic Impact Payments — commonly called stimulus cheques — scammers immediately launch IRS-branded campaigns to intercept victims who may be confused about eligibility or payment status. These campaigns can surface months or even years after actual stimulus programmes end, continuing to target people who never received a payment they expected.
The pitch is straightforward: an IRS message claims an unclaimed stimulus payment is waiting, and the recipient must verify their identity and banking details to receive it. Given that genuine stimulus payments were real and some people did have issues receiving them, the scenario carries credibility.
The real IRS distributes economic impact payments automatically using the bank details and address on file from your most recent tax return, or by mailing a cheque or debit card. It does not send unsolicited emails or texts asking you to claim a payment by entering banking information.
How this scam works on the IRS brand
Phishing emails carry subject lines such as 'Your $1,400 Economic Impact Payment Is Ready' or 'Unclaimed Stimulus Funds — Action Required.' The email body replicates the IRS website's design and provides a link to a fake IRS portal requiring SSN, date of birth, and bank account details to 'deposit' the payment.
Text variants are briefer: 'IRS: You are eligible for a stimulus payment. Claim here: [link].' Both approaches funnel victims into credential and financial data harvesting.
Some campaigns run after the official deadline for any real payments, falsely claiming 'late applications' are still being accepted. The IRS has specific portals (like the now-closed Non-Filers tool) that have clear eligibility windows — these are never extended through unsolicited SMS messages.
The IRS also sends physical notices (Notice 1444) after any genuine payment is sent, confirming the amount and method. If you received a Notice 1444 but not the payment, the correct resolution path is the IRS website's official 'Get My Payment' tool, not a link in an email.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited email or text claiming you have an unclaimed stimulus payment
- Link does not go to irs.gov
- Request for bank routing/account numbers or SSN via a linked form
- Offer of a stimulus payment after the official programme has closed
- Email address is not @irs.gov
- Urgency: 'claim must be submitted by [date] or payment is forfeited'
- Message asks you to 'update' banking details that the IRS supposedly has on file
How to protect yourself
- Check stimulus payment status exclusively through the official IRS 'Get My Payment' or relevant tool at irs.gov
- File or amend your tax return if you believe you missed a payment due to not filing — do not respond to unsolicited messages
- The IRS uses your most recent tax return for payment details; update these by filing correctly, not via a link
- Forward phishing emails to [email protected]
- Never enter banking details into any page reached via an unsolicited link
- Enable an IRS Identity Protection PIN to prevent fraudulent returns being filed in your name
How to report it
- Forward the phishing email to [email protected]
- Report IRS impersonation to TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484 or tigta.gov
- File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report identity theft at identitytheft.gov
- Forward smishing texts to 7726
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether a stimulus or relief payment programme is currently real?
Check irs.gov directly for any official announcements — genuine federal payment programmes are always published there with clear eligibility rules, not communicated first through an unsolicited text or email. If you can't find the programme described in the message listed on irs.gov, treat it as fraudulent.
I never received a stimulus payment I was owed years ago — can I still claim it, and how?
The Recovery Rebate Credit on your federal tax return is the legitimate way to claim a missed Economic Impact Payment, and any such claim has to go through your actual tax filing rather than a link in a message. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, a tax professional or the IRS's own guidance at irs.gov is the reliable source — not any unsolicited outreach.
How did the IRS send real stimulus payments?
The IRS sent Economic Impact Payments by direct deposit to the bank account on file from your tax return, or by mailed cheque or debit card. It did not contact recipients by email or text to collect banking information.
Can I still claim a missed stimulus payment?
The Recovery Rebate Credit on your federal tax return is the legitimate mechanism for claiming payments you missed. The IRS does not run an active outreach programme via text or email for this purpose.
What is Notice 1444?
Notice 1444 is the paper notice the IRS mails after sending an Economic Impact Payment, confirming the amount and method of payment. If you received it but not the payment, visit irs.gov to use the appropriate tool.