IRS Warns Taxpayers About New Scam Mailing Offering False Refunds

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a warning to taxpayers this month regarding a new scam that seeks to deceive individuals into believing they are owed a refund. The scam involves a fraudulent mailing sent in a cardboard envelope from a delivery service, with the enclosed letter displaying the agency’s masthead and claiming to be “in relation to your unclaimed refund.”

The deceptive letter includes contact information and a phone number that do not belong to the IRS. It also requests sensitive personal information, such as pictures of driver’s licenses. The recipients are instructed to provide “Filing Information” for their refund, including a cellphone number, bank routing information, Social Security number, and bank account type.

However, the IRS has cautioned that providing such information could expose individuals to identity theft, as scammers may attempt to obtain tax refunds and other sensitive financial details using the data provided.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the prevalence of identity thieves posing as the IRS, employing various tactics to trick individuals into divulging valuable personal information for the purpose of identity and monetary theft. These scams can take the form of emails, text messages, or even special mailings. Taxpayers are advised to remain vigilant and watch for red flags that indicate potential IRS scams. Warning signs may include unusual punctuation, a mix of fonts, and inaccuracies within the communication.

The fraudulent letter falsely states that the deadline for filing tax refunds is October 17. In reality, the deadline for individuals on extension for their 2022 tax returns is October 16. Furthermore, the IRS handles tax refunds and not “unclaimed property,” as mentioned in the scam letter.

It is crucial to note that the IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers via email, text, or social media regarding bills or tax refunds. The agency primarily communicates through official correspondence delivered by traditional mail.

Taxpayers are strongly advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited communications related to tax refunds or payments. To ensure the authenticity of any communication, individuals can directly contact the IRS through official channels, such as the official IRS website or the phone number provided on their official website.

Protecting personal information and being aware of potential scams are vital in safeguarding against identity theft and financial fraud. By staying informed and adopting preventive measures, taxpayers can minimize the risk of falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.