If you get a letter thats supposedly from the IRS about an unclaimed tax refund, its a scam.
Thats what the IRS says.
Its warning taxpayers about a new scam this one involving what looks like an official letter from the IRS.
I’m an idiot. Don’t fall forthe phishing scam I just fell for.
At first glance, these letters look pretty authentic.
That sounds good, right?
Free money from the government!
The letter also asks for personal information from taxpayers, including detailed pictures of drivers licenses.
Fraudsters can use this information for identity theft.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
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.
Whats the Truth?
They have until July 17 to do so.
Most Americans file a federal income tax return, but not everyone does.
People in low-income households dont have to.
However, the IRS says it is not reaching out to individual taxpayers about this.
The letter tells recipients they need to provide Filing Information for their refund.
(Notice that it says a clear phone, not a clear photo.)
Then theres another weirdly worded sentence: Youll 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.
Yup, its definitely a scam.
What Should You Do?
Throw the letter away.
Never hit an unsolicited email or text claiming to be the IRS because it may surreptitiously load malware.
it’s possible for you to report scams to theTreasury Inspector General for Tax Administrationor theInternet Crime Complaint Center.
TheReport Phishing and Online Scamspage at IRS.gov provides complete details.
And the Federal Communications CommissionsSmartphone Security Checkeris a useful tool against mobile phone security threats.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?