The IRS Continues to Highlight the Risk of Falling Victim to Scammers. While you might feel secure, countless Americans have experienced the repercussions of fraudulent schemes. According to the IRS, stay vigilant against the most recent mail-based scam, where scammers falsely claim the IRS owes you a substantial tax refund.
For your safety, it is advisable to visit an IRS office or contact them directly. Avoid using any phone numbers provided in suspicious letters; instead, verify information on the official Internal Revenue Service website. Evidently, numerous Americans have been receiving cardboard envelopes, with some even arriving via courier services to appear more convincing. These envelopes prominently display the IRS emblem.
What Types of Fraudulent IRS Mailings Should I Be Alert For?
Pay particular attention to the phrase ‘in relation to your unclaimed refund’ as it is a telltale sign of these fraudulent mailings. They often include phone numbers and contact details, but none of these are affiliated with the IRS. Instead, they are operated by scammers aiming to either steal your identity or intercept your tax refund check. Never divulge any personal information to them.
Providing such information would enable them to achieve their ulterior motives. While this is the most recent scam, there are numerous others in circulation. It is advisable to exercise caution and refrain from opening any text messages or email links that you receive on your phone or via email.
Upon revisiting this mail scam, it becomes increasingly evident that the claims and information provided within it lack sensibility and accuracy. One glaring inaccuracy is the misrepresentation of the deadline, which diverges from the real IRS timelines. Additionally, the scammers incorrectly refer to the funds in question as “unclaimed property” when, in fact, they are discussing tax refunds.
For a more comprehensive understanding of this ongoing issue, it is advisable to consult reliable sources, such as the IRS newsroom, which can offer in-depth information regarding this particular scam and others like it. By staying informed through trusted channels, individuals can better protect themselves from falling prey to these deceptive tactics.