{"id":3771,"date":"2023-07-03T19:07:25","date_gmt":"2023-07-03T19:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mysourcefunding.com\/tax-preparation\/irs-issues-warning-on-new-tax-refund-scam\/"},"modified":"2023-07-03T19:07:25","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T19:07:25","slug":"irs-issues-warning-on-new-tax-refund-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mysourcefunding.com\/?p=3771","title":{"rendered":"IRS Issues Warning On New Tax Refund Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The IRS is warning taxpayers about a new scam involving tax refunds.<\/p>\n

Here’s how the scam works. Fraudsters are mailing taxpayers what looks like a cardboard envelope from a delivery service. The accompanying letter\u2014complete with a fake IRS masthead\u2014suggests that the notice is “in relation to your unclaimed refund.” The letter includes bogus contact information and phone number that are not associated with the IRS.<\/p>\n

The letter advises potential victims to provide “Filing Information” to receive a tax refund. This includes awkwardly worded requests for you to provide additional details such as “A Clear Phone of Your Driver’s License That Clearly Displays All Four (4) Angles, Taken in a Place with Good Lighting.”<\/p>\n

The letter typically asks for more sensitive information, including your cell phone number, bank routing information, Social Security number, and bank account type. It may be followed by a poorly worded warning that reads, “You’ll Need to Get This to Get Your Refunds After Filing. These Must Be Given to a Filing Agent Who Will Help You Submit Your Unclaimed Property Claim. Once You Send All The Information Please Try to Be Checking Your Email for Response From The Agents Thanks.”<\/p>\n

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The scam’s goal is to trick people into providing detailed personal information in hopes of stealing valuable information.<\/p>\n

“This is just the latest in the long string of attempts by identity thieves posing as the IRS in hopes of tricking people into providing valuable personal information to steal identities and money, including tax refunds,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These scams can come in through email, text or even in special mailings. People should be careful to watch out for red flags that clearly mark these as IRS scams.”<\/p>\n

Red Flags<\/h2>\n

There are a few indications that this is a scam. Notably, the letter includes odd punctuation and a mixture of fonts.<\/p>\n

First, the IRS handles tax matters, including tax refunds and not “unclaimed property.”<\/p>\n

The letter contains other inaccuracies. For example, it indicates that the deadline for filing tax refunds for the 2022 tax year is Oct. 17, 2023. Assuming you have an extension, the due date for filing your 2022 tax return is Oct. 16, 2023. Taxpayers looking for a refund have even more time. Generally, you must file a claim for a credit or refund within three years from the date you filed your original tax return or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.<\/p>\n

Dirty Dozen<\/h2>\n

These kinds of scams often pop up in the IRS’ Dirty Dozen roundup. The “Dirty Dozen” is an annual list of common scams taxpayers may encounter. Many of these schemes peak during tax filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to help with their taxes. The schemes put taxpayers and tax professionals at risk of losing money, personal information, data, and more.<\/p>\n

IRS Contact<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your first contact with the IRS will tend to be through the mail. As a reminder, the IRS will not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media regarding your tax account or your tax refund.<\/p>\n

Never click on any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS, as it could be an attempt to steal your information or load malware or ransomware on your devices.<\/p>\n

Protect Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To protect yourself, if you receive a tax-related phishing (email) or smishing (text) link:<\/p>\n