If you’ve recently received an email claiming “You Have a New Notification in Your Online Account” and saying it’s from the Internal Revenue Service, you’re not alone.
These messages are circulating again—and they’re designed to look just legitimate enough to make people click.
Unfortunately, that click is exactly what scammers are hoping for.
Why This Email Looks Real (But Isn’t)
The email usually includes:
Official-sounding language
References to privacy policies
Instructions to “sign in” to view an urgent notice
At a glance, it feels routine. That’s intentional.
Scammers rely on familiarity and urgency, not technical complexity. If they can make the message feel normal, they increase the odds that someone reacts instead of thinking.
The Biggest Red Flag: The IRS Doesn’t Work This Way
Here’s the most important thing to know:
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email.
They don’t send unsolicited emails asking you to:
Log in to your account
View notices
Update personal information
Resolve issues urgently
Initial IRS contact is made by U.S. mail, not email, text message, or social media.
If an email claims otherwise, that alone is enough to treat it as suspicious.
Other Warning Signs to Watch For
These scam emails often include multiple red flags:
Generic greetings
“Dear Taxpayer” is used because scammers don’t know your name. Legitimate IRS correspondence almost always does.
Embedded login links
The goal is to send you to a fake IRS-looking website that captures your username and password.
Urgency without specifics
Phrases like “view immediately” or “new notification” are meant to rush you—without explaining what the issue actually is.
What Happens If You Click
Once credentials are stolen, attackers can:
Access tax records
File fraudulent returns
Redirect refunds
Use your identity for additional financial fraud
For businesses, one compromised user can lead to:
Email account takeovers
Payroll or W-2 fraud
Broader network access
This is why phishing remains one of the most effective attack methods today.
What You Should Do Instead
If you receive an email like this:
✔ Do not click any links
✔ Do not reply
✔ Do not download attachments
The safe way to check:
Open your browser
Manually type IRS.gov
Log in directly from the official site
If there’s a real notice, it will be waiting for you there.
Report It (It Actually Helps)
You can help stop these scams by forwarding the email as an attachment to:
After reporting it, delete the message.
Final Takeaway
If an email pressures you to act quickly and asks you to “sign in now,” slow down.
The IRS will never rush you by email.
Scammers will.
A few extra seconds of caution can save months—or years—of cleanup.
How Bit by Bit Can Help
Phishing emails like this are exactly why Bit by Bit Computer Consulting focuses on more than just technology—we focus on prevention.
We help organizations:
Train employees to recognize phishing and social engineering
Secure email systems against impersonation and spoofing
Implement layered security that limits damage if someone clicks
Monitor for compromised accounts and unusual activity
Respond quickly when something doesn’t look right
If you’re unsure whether your current setup would catch or contain an attack like this, it’s worth a quick conversation.
📞 Call: 877.860.5831
🌐 Visit: www.bitxbit.com
A short review today can prevent a costly incident tomorrow.
