IRS refund email scam: is that refund notice real?

Yes — this is a scam. The IRS never emails you about a refund — and the real irs.gov never sends from a hyphenated look-alike like "irs-gov-tax.example."

Other versions you might get: A fake "tax transcript" or "stimulus payment" email, a text or call claiming you owe back taxes, or a notice threatening arrest unless you pay with gift cards.

What to do right now

1. Don't click the link or button, and don't call any number in it. Don't enter your Social Security number, bank, or login.
2. Check the real source. Type irs.gov yourself and look up your refund at irs.gov/refunds — there won't be a surprise refund waiting.
3. Report it. Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov, then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
4. Delete it and mark it as phishing.
5. If you already tapped or shared details: change any password you entered, call your bank if you gave card or account info, and place a free fraud alert with the credit bureaus. If you shared your SSN, see the recovery steps below.

How to make sure it never bites you

These emails land because your address is on breached lists, and a leaked SSN can be reused for fake returns and new-account fraud. Reduce the blast radius — see how to lock down your accounts.