July 8, 2026
Beware of Fake IRS CP53E Notices: How to Protect Yourself
Receiving an IRS notice can be unsettling, especially when it appears to involve your tax refund or bank account information.
One notice taxpayers may encounter is IRS Notice CP53E. While CP53E is a legitimate IRS notice, scammers have begun creating fake versions designed to trick taxpayers into providing sensitive financial information.
Understanding what a real CP53E notice looks like and knowing the warning signs of a scam can help protect your refund and your personal information.
What Is a Real CP53E Notice?
A legitimate CP53E notice is generally issued when the IRS cannot complete your refund by direct deposit because:
- Banking information wasn’t included with your tax return, or
- The bank rejected the provided direct deposit information.
When this happens, the IRS generally mails a CP53E notice and gives taxpayers 30 days to provide updated banking information through their IRS Individual Online Account.
If no action is taken within that timeframe, the IRS will generally issue a paper refund check approximately six weeks after the notice date, assuming there are no other issues with the return.
Important: The IRS has made clear that its employees cannot take or update secure banking information by phone, text message, email, or in person for this process.
How Scammers Are Using Fake CP53E Notices
Because CP53E notices involve delayed refunds and banking information, they create an opportunity for fraud.
Scammers are sending notices that appear official and claim:
- Your financial institution rejected the refund
- Your bank account information was missing from the return
- Your bank account could not be validated
The goal is to convince taxpayers to provide banking information through channels the IRS does not use.
Red Flags That a CP53E Notice May Be Fake
Be cautious if you notice any of the following warning signs.
Requests for Banking Information by Phone, Text, Email, or In Person
For CP53E-related refund issues, the IRS states that employees cannot take or update secure banking information through those methods.
Pressure to Act Immediately
Scammers often generate urgency by claiming your refund will be lost unless you act right away. A legitimate CP53E notice generally provides 30 days to respond.
A Link or QR Code Feels Suspicious
Be cautious with any link or QR code, especially if it directs you to a site other than IRS.gov. When in doubt, do not click or scan. Instead, go directly to IRS.gov and access your IRS Online Account from there.
The Notice Does Not Match Your Tax Situation
A legitimate IRS notice is usually specific. If you were not expecting a refund, did not request direct deposit, or the information does not match your return, pause before responding.
Links to Unfamiliar Websites
Never click a link that asks you to verify your refund or banking information. Instead, go directly to IRS.gov and access your account from there.
What to Do If You Receive a CP53E Notice
If a CP53E notice arrives in the mail, take a moment to verify it before responding.
Step 1: Review the Notice Carefully
Confirm the notice number, tax year, and whether it states that the IRS could not complete your direct deposit refund.
Step 2: Check Your IRS Online Account
Access your IRS Individual Online Account directly through IRS.gov rather than through a link in an email or text message.
Your account can help confirm whether the notice is legitimate and whether updated banking information is needed.
Step 3: Check “Where’s My Refund?”
The IRS has indicated that its “Where’s My Refund?” tool may also display information when banking details are requested to process a refund.
Step 4: Update Information Only Through Approved IRS Channels
If the notice is legitimate and action is required, use your IRS Online Account to provide updated information or indicate any applicable exception.
Step 5: Never Provide Banking Information by Phone, Text, or Email
Do not share account numbers, routing numbers, login credentials, or payment card information through those channels, regardless of who is asking.
Step 6: Confirm Directly with the IRS
If you are uncertain, use the phone number on a legitimate mailed notice or call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
Step 7: Understand What Happens If You Do Nothing
If you do not respond to a legitimate CP53E notice within the response period, the IRS will generally issue a paper refund check later, assuming there are no other issues with your return.
What to Do If You Think the Notice Is a Scam
If you suspect a fake CP53E notice or IRS impersonation attempt:
- Stop communicating with the sender at once.
- Do not click links or reply to messages.
- Do not provide personal or banking information.
- Verify your status through your IRS Online Account or the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
- Contact the IRS directly to determine if there is an issue.
- Report the incident to TIGTA and the FTC as an IRS impersonation scam.
If you have already shared sensitive information, contact your bank immediately and speak with your tax advisor about additional protective measures.
Slow Down and Verify
A CP53E notice can be legitimate, but that does not mean every communication using that notice number is real.
Scammers commonly rely on urgency and confusion, especially when a refund is involved. Before taking action:
- Verify the issue through your IRS Online Account or “Where’s My Refund?”
- Communicate only through trusted IRS channels
- Never provide banking information by phone, text, or email
- Contact your tax advisor if something does not seem right
A quick review with your tax professional can help you avoid fraud, protect your personal information, and safeguard your refund. Contact us today!