Identity theft places a burden on its victims and presents a challenge to businesses, organizations and government agencies, including the IRS. Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen social security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.
The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.
The IRS has a helpful page that includes detailed information on how to prevent identity theft and what to do if you if you think someone has stolen your identity.
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue also has helpful resources on identity theft.
If you receive calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the Treasury Department and offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond. These are scams. Please contact the FBI at www.ic3.gov so that the scammers can be tracked and stopped.
Federal taxes should be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
For more information see the US Treasury Department's COVID-19 Scams page.