IRD Scams During 2025 Tax Season
Beware of IRD Scams During Tax Season!
IRD Scam Tax Refund - Tax season in New Zealand is prime time for scammers looking to trick people into handing over their personal and financial details. They often pretend to be from Inland Revenue (IRD), sending emails, texts, or even making phone calls to fool unsuspecting taxpayers. Let’s break down how these scams work, how to spot them, and what to do if you’re targeted.
Common IRD Scams to Watch Out For
Scammers use different tactics to try and steal your money or personal information. Here are some of the most common IRD-related scams:
1. Fake Tax Refund Messages
You might receive an email or text saying:
“You are eligible for a tax refund. Click this link to claim your money.”
🚨 Red Flag: IRD never sends refund notifications via email or text with a clickable link. If you receive one, it’s a scam!
2. Tax Debt Threats
A scammer may contact you pretending to be from IRD, saying:
“You owe unpaid taxes. If you don’t pay immediately, legal action will be taken.”
🚨 Red Flag: The IRD does not threaten immediate legal action or demand payment via phone, email, or text. They always provide time to review your tax status.
3. Fake IRD Phone Calls
Some scammers call pretending to be IRD staff, insisting you must pay now to avoid penalties or arrest.
🚨 Red Flag: The real IRD doesn’t demand payments over the phone. Always verify by calling IRD directly using their official contact details.
What Are Scammers After?
These fraudsters want your:
If someone asks for any of these details in an unsolicited message, it’s a scam!
How to Spot an IRD Scam
Here are some telltale signs that something isn’t right:
✅ You receive an unexpected email, text, or call claiming to be from IRD.
✅ The message contains spelling mistakes or comes from an odd-looking email address.
✅ The sender asks for bank details or personal information.
✅ There’s a sense of urgency, demanding you act immediately.
✅ You’re asked to click a suspicious link or download an attachment.
What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Message
🔹 Don’t Click Links or Respond – Never open links in scam emails or texts.
🔹 Check Directly with IRD – Log in to myIR or call IRD using their official contact number.
🔹 Report the Scam – Forward suspicious emails to [email protected] and report texts or calls to CERT NZ.
Tax season should be about getting your refund or handling your taxes, not dealing with scammers. Stay alert, trust only official communication channels, and if something feels off—report it!
Don’t let scammers cash in on your hard-earned money.
Stay safe, stay smart, and spread the word!
