As part of a broader push to modernize payments, the IRS has been phasing out paper refund checks. This tax season, that shift has triggered a surge in notices asking taxpayers to confirm or update their banking information.

These letters, known as CP53E notices, are landing in more than 1 million mailboxes, according to some congressional estimates .

Unfortunately, as you might expect, the spike in IRS correspondence has created an opening for fraudsters, who are reportedly creating convincing fake versions.

From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance

Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues

CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

So, how do you know if your IRS refund letter is real?…