Most unexpected 'refund' emails are phishing. Real agencies like the IRS and FTC do not email you out of the blue asking for personal info to release a refund. Do not click links — go to the official site directly.
- what this is
- Phishing warning
- who may qualify
- Everyone
- what you may receive
- Protection
- where to check
- Agency's official site directly
- cost
- Free
- deadline
- Ongoing
- state
- All
- last checked
- 2026-04-30
- watch out for
- Refund emails asking for SSN or banking info
Red flags
Urgent language, generic greetings, links to non-official domains, attachments.
- program type
- Scam warning
- common benefit
- Protection
- who it may help
- Everyone
- application cost
- N/A
- availability
- Always
- main documents
- N/A
- risk warning
- Don't click email links
FAQ
The IRS primarily uses postal mail. They do not initiate contact about refunds via email or text.
Related
Most unexpected 'refund' emails are phishing. Real agencies like the IRS and FTC do not email you out of the blue asking for personal info to release a refund. Do not click links — go to the official site directly.
We link to the official source so you can verify eligibility, deadlines, and application steps before you apply. · Article last checked 2026-04-30.
Independent publisher. Claim What's Yours is not a government agency, law firm, tax preparer, settlement administrator, or benefits office. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines, and application details with the official source.