Every tax season, scammers try to steal refunds and personal information. With the IRS moving to electronic refunds, they now have new tricks. In this guide, we explain the most common IRS check scams, how to spot a fake Treasury check and what to do if something feels wrong.
The Most Common IRS Check Scams
Scammers change their stories often. However, most IRS check scams follow a few patterns:
- Fake CP53E messages. You get a text, email or call that says your refund is on hold and asks for your bank details.
- Overpayment scams. Someone sends you a “refund” check for too much money and asks you to send back the difference.
- Fake Treasury checks. A check looks official, but it is a copy or has been changed.
- “Pay a fee to get your refund.” The IRS never asks you to pay a fee to release your refund.
- Threats of arrest. A caller says you owe money and must pay right now with gift cards or a money transfer.
How the Real CP53E Notice Works
The CP53E notice is real. The IRS sends it when your return has no valid bank information for your refund. But here is what the real process looks like:
- It arrives by mail, not by text or email.
- You respond through your IRS Online Account.
- The IRS never asks for bank information by phone, text or email.
So, if a message asks you to click a link or scan a QR code to “release your refund,” treat it as a scam. Instead, sign in to your IRS Online Account on your own. For more context, read what changes with IRS paper refund checks.
How to Spot a Fake U.S. Treasury Check
The U.S. Secret Service lists several security features of a real Treasury check:
- Watermark: Hold the check to the light. You should see “U.S. TREASURY” from the front and the back.
- Treasury seal: The seal to the right of the Statue of Liberty reads “Bureau of the Fiscal Service.”
- Bleeding ink: The black ink of that seal turns red when it gets a little wet.
- Ultraviolet printing: Under UV light, a hidden pattern appears.
- Microprinting: The back has tiny text that repeats “USAUSAUSA.”
In addition, ask yourself a simple question: did you expect this check? If not, be careful.
Warning Signs That Should Make You Stop
Even if a check looks real, these signs mean you should stop and verify:
- You didn’t file a return or don’t expect a refund.
- The amount is much higher than you expected.
- Someone asks you to send money back after you cash it.
- The sender pressures you to act fast or keep it secret.
- The check came with a strange letter or from someone you don’t know.
What to Do If You Think It Is a Scam
If something feels wrong, follow these steps:
- Don’t cash the check and don’t send any money.
- Don’t share your bank details, ID or Social Security number.
- Check your IRS Online Account to see if you really have a notice or refund.
- Call the official IRS number, 1-800-829-1040, using the number you look up yourself.
- Report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or the FTC.
Scammers also target money transfers. Learn more about money transfer scams.
Cash Government Checks With People You Trust
At Metro Money Financial, our team reviews your check with you before you cash it. If something doesn’t look right, we tell you. We offer IRS and government check cashing at two offices in El Paso, with service in English and Spanish. See also how to cash an IRS refund check.
Visit us on Magoffin Ave. or N. Loop Dr., or call +1 915 351 1658.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the IRS text or email about my refund?
The IRS does not ask for bank information by text, email or phone. Official notices arrive by mail.
Can a fake check bounce after I cash it?
Yes. A fake check can be returned days later, and you may have to pay the money back. That is why you should verify any check you didn’t expect.
Who should I call if I get a suspicious IRS message?
Look up the official IRS phone number yourself, 1-800-829-1040, and don’t use numbers or links from the message.
How can I protect my refund this year?
Create your IRS Online Account, file early and choose a safe way to receive your refund. Also, keep your personal information private.