IRS Sending Refund Letters… But Scammers Are Too, and They Want Your Bank Info

As tax season continues, many Americans are opening their mailboxes to find something unexpected. A letter from the Internal Revenue Service asking for bank account information.

But here’s the problem: while some of these letters are real, others are scams designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Why You Might Be Getting A Real Letter

The IRS has recently changed how it issues tax refunds, moving away from paper checks and pushing more people toward direct deposit.

If the agency can’t process your refund, whether due to missing, incorrect, or rejected bank details, it may send what’s called a CP53E notice asking you to update your information.

In some cases, these notices are even being sent to people who didn’t expect a refund at all, adding to the confusion.

Where Scammers Come In

Fraudsters are now mimicking these letters, sending fake notices that look nearly identical to official IRS correspondence.

Their goal is to trick you into handing over sensitive details like your bank account and routing numbers.

Some fake letters may include QR codes, links, or urgent language pressuring you to act quickly, which are all red flags.

How to Tell If It’s Real or Fake

Here are some key things to remember:

• The IRS only contacts you by mail for this type of issue, not by phone, text, or email.
• You should never click links or scan QR codes in a suspicious letter without verifying it first.
• Real notices will direct you to log into your official IRS online account, not a third-party website.

How To Stay Safe

If you receive a letter asking for banking information:

• Log in directly to your IRS account by typing the official website into your browser
• Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check your status
• Call the IRS directly using the official phone number (not one listed in the letter)
• When in doubt, consult a trusted tax professional

Yes, the IRS really is sending letters asking for bank details, but scammers are counting on you not knowing the difference.

Taking a few extra minutes to verify before responding could save you from a costly mistake.