Archive for May, 2011
Email from the IRS – It’s a scam!
The IRS does not initiate communication with taxpayers through email. It could be a phishing attempt to steal personal information. Identity thieves sometimes use social security numbers to file tax returns in order to receive a refund. If the thief files the tax return before you do, the IRS will believe you already filed and have received any eligible refund.
If you receive a notice or letter from the IRS in the mail that leads you to believe someone may have used your social security number fraudulently, please respond immediately to the name, address, and/or number printed on the IRS notice. You should be alert to possible identity theft if the IRS issued a notice or sent a letter that states more than one tax return was filed for you or indicates you received wages from an employer unknown to you.
If you receive a letter or notice in the mail claiming to be from the IRS but you think it’s a scam, contact the IRS to determine if it is legitimate. Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484.
