In order to scam taxpayers across the nation, identity thieves are using legitimate data to scam them, often pretending to be the IRS. What are you supposed to do?
The IRS Identity Theft Protection Unit has been created by the IRS to address this problem. Be aware of common scams to help you avoid having your personal data used for fraud or other crimes.
Phony IRS emails. In a “phishing”An official looking email with the IRS logo is used to lure consumers to a website where they request personal and financial information such as Social Security numbers, bank accounts or credit card numbers. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails. They do not use email to request personal or financial details such as passwords, pin numbers, or secret access information for bank accounts or credit cards. The IRS website is the only legitimate one. www.IRS.gov.
Scam refund. A fraudulent e-mail claims the recipient is eligible for a federal tax refund up to $63.80. It then sends the recipient to an online form to submit a tax refund request. The form asks for financial and personal information. The IRS does not send refunds to taxpayers via email.
Antifraud Commission scam. The scammer then sends an email to the IRS stating that the IRS is being used. “Antifraud Commission”The IRS discovered that someone attempted to pay their taxes using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or EFTPS. This was done by the email recipient’s credit cards. The recipient lost some of their money and the funds that remained were blocked. The email includes a link to direct the recipient to a website, where they can enter their personal and financial information to unblock their funds. Do not fall for the scam! The IRS doesn’t have an anti-fraud committee.
Get help. If a taxpayer believes that they have been sent a questionable or fraudulent communication regarding taxes, they should consult a licensed tax professional. Enrolled agentsThe EAs are America’s tax experts. They are the only tax professionals licensed by the IRS who specialize in taxation. Also, they have unlimited rights for representing taxpayers before the IRS. This means that your EA can address the IRS directly if you receive a notice from the IRS or worse, if you are subject to a collection action or audit, or both. Look up an EA in your local area in the directory. www.naea.org.
