IRS Warns University Students and Staff of Impersonation Email Scam

The Internal Revenue Service warns of an IRS-impersonation scam that primarily targets educational institutions, including university and college students and staff who have “.edu” email addresses.

The suspect emails display the IRS logo and use subject lines such as “Tax Refund Payment” or “Recalculation of your tax refund payment.” It asks people to click a link and submit a form to claim their refund. The phishing website asks taxpayers to provide personal information such as their Social Security number, date of birth, income, driver’s license number, electronic filing PIN and more. People who receive this scam email should not click on the link in the email. 

While the scammers are primarily targeting universities, all education entities have the potential to be affected. The IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email about a bill or tax refund. Always think before you click.

Read more. Learn how to report these scam emails to the IRS and what to do if you believe you may have provided identity thieves with this information.

Stop Cyberattacks in Their Tracks with These 10 Security Tips