{"id":2913,"date":"2023-08-01T18:15:34","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T18:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fraud.org\/?p=2913"},"modified":"2023-08-01T19:42:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-01T19:42:46","slug":"irs-mail-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fraud.org\/irs-mail-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"IRS warns taxpayers of mail scam"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is <\/span>warning taxpayers<\/span><\/a> about a new scam designed to trick potential victims into believing that they are owed a refund. IRS and government impersonation scams are nothing new. In fact, <\/span>Federal Trade Commission data<\/span><\/a> shows that they are one of the most reported forms of fraud for years now. However, this scam stands out from the rest as it involves postal mail and is related to a refund rather than outstanding taxes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Specifically, the impersonators are mailing cardboard envelopes containing a letter with IRS masthead and claiming to be regarding the recipient\u2019s \u201cunclaimed refund.\u201d It then asks for multiple photos of the potential victim\u2019s driver\u2019s license and various personal information (such as a phone number, bank routing information, and a Social Security number) to receive the refund. As with other scams, the contact information provided by the fraudsters does not belong to the IRS. The personal information they are seeking allows the criminals to commit identity theft. Additionally, the letter is filled with awkward and incorrect phrasing\u2014another common sign of fraud.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fraud.org continues to receive complaints from consumers regarding this and other IRS impersonation schemes. For example, a consumer reported receiving a letter with a demand for over $27,000 to pay off a tax debt that did not exist. Another individual living overseas submitted a fraud report detailing a phishing website pretending to help international taxpayers resolve IRS matters.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To reduce your risk of being a victim of a government imposter scheme, keep the following tips in mind:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n