IRS alerts Taxpayers about a new Tax Refund Scam
The Internal Revenue Service warns taxpayers about a new type of a tax scam. Fraudulent tax refunds into individual’s bank accounts are being deposited, then the criminals are trying to reclaim the refund from the taxpayers.
The following are few basic steps you can take if someone tries to contact you for an erroneous tax refund :
- Taxpayers receiving erroneous tax refunds should contact their tax preparers immediately.
- IRS encourages taxpayers should discuss this with their banks or financial institutions and close bank accounts if it was a fraudulent deposit.
- There are clearly established procedures one should follow to return the erroneous funds to the IRS. Tax Topic Number 161 -has full details about how to return the money including the mailing address where the taxpayer is required to send the paper check if needed.
There are two other current versions of this scam :
- The taxpayer who receives the erroneous refund gets an automated call on a recorded voice stating he is from the IRS. The recorded voice gives a phony case number and a phone number to call to return the refund.
- Criminals also pose as debt collection agency officials acting on behalf of the IRS. The thief contacts the taxpayer to report an erroneous refund deposit and request that the money be forwarded to the thief’s collection agency.
Other links
How do you report phishing? You can report phishing via this link to the IRS website https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing
How do you report suspected tax fraud activity :
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-you-report-suspected-tax-fraud-activity