The IRS recently warned taxpayers about new versions of two, tax-related scams. Please be on alert for these two schemes so you do not fall victim to scam artists who work all year round to steal from taxpayers.

1.        Social Security Number Scheme
In our previous emails, we have outlined various ways scammers attempt to steal social security numbers. In the end, our advice is to never provide your Social Security number over the telephone or via email since the IRS will never contact you through those two mediums. The latest twist on this scheme is for scammers to threaten to suspend or cancel the victim’s Social Security number. The goal is to frighten taxpayers into returning robocall voicemail messages and of course providing their personal information. 

2.        Fake Tax Agency
This scheme involves a written letter which poses greater risk as many taxpayers are aware that the IRS does not use email, telephone calls or text messages to correspond with taxpayers. A threatening letter regarding a fictitious IRS lien or levy is mailed to the taxpayer. The lien or levy is based on fabricated overdue taxes owed to a non-existent agency called “The Bureau of Tax Enforcement”. The goal is to confuse taxpayers into thinking that the letter is from a legitimate agency so they contact the agency and disclose personal information. Again, please be advised that the “Bureau of Tax Enforcement” is not a legitimate agency and therefore, not affiliated with the IRS. 

So, what should you do if you receive correspondence like the ones outlined above? We urge you to call us first. Please reach out to a member of the QRGA team before you respond to any IRS correspondence. That is the easiest way to avoid these scams and protect yourself from falling victim to the latest tax-related scams.

As always, i f you have any questions, please reach out to a QRGA team member by calling (781) 551-0040 and be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn so we can continue to keep you up-to-date on news and information that can help you be successful. For more information and to read our latest newsletter, be sure to visit our website by clicking the green button below.