Fake IRD Text Messages — Don't Click That Link

New Zealanders are currently receiving convincing text messages claiming to be from Inland Revenue (IRD). The messages tell you that you are owed a tax refund — often between $200 and $800 — and that you need to click a link and enter your bank account details to receive the payment. The text looks genuine. It may show "IRD" as the sender name and use official-looking language. The website the link takes you to may even look like the real IRD website. It is not. It is a scam designed to steal your banking details. Warning signs to watch for: An unexpected text message about a tax refund you weren't expecting A link asking you to enter your bank account or credit card details Urgency — the message says the refund will expire or be cancelled if you don't act quickly The web address looks slightly different from the real IRD site — ird.govt.nz You are asked for more personal information than just bank details — date of birth, IRD number, password What to do: Do not click the link Do not enter any personal or banking details Delete the message If you think you may actually be owed a refund from IRD, log into myIR directly by typing ird.govt.nz into your browser yourself — never through a link in a text message Report the scam text to Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz or call 0508 638 723 If you have already clicked the link and entered details, call your bank immediately The real IRD will never text you asking for your bank account details or ask you to click a link to receive a refund. Genuine refunds are processed automatically into the account IRD already has on file. You were right to be cautious. Always type government website addresses yourself rather than clicking links in text messages.