As a client of ours, we want to keep you informed about the latest fraudulent scams that are hitting taxpayers across the nation. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently alerted citizens to be wary of a new hoax involving counterfeit mailings that deceitfully claim taxpayers are entitled to unclaimed refunds. These scam letters, typically delivered in cardboard envelopes via a courier service, feature the IRS masthead and suggest that the letter is concerning an “unclaimed refund” you are supposedly owed.
This fraud goes a step further by not only providing false contact information but also soliciting for an array of personal information that could be exploited by identity thieves. These fraudsters cunningly request detailed images of your driver’s license, along with other private information that could be used to illegitimately file a tax return or obtain sensitive financial details. Do not be fooled by their convincing guise, as the letter includes numerous red flags such as odd punctuation, a mixture of fonts, and glaring inaccuracies.
We always recommend you reach out to your CPA, if you receive any suspicious correspondence from the IRS or any tax-related notices. We are equipped with the knowledge and resources to verify the legitimacy of such letters. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your personal financial security. Remember, any communication involving sensitive financial information should be treated with extreme caution. Never share your personal information unless you are certain of the legitimacy of the request. Stay alert, stay safe.
Source: www.irs.gov
Submitted by: Victoria Martin