(NEXSTAR) – Amid text attacks and email scams, there’s a new tactic targeting your bank account, the Internal Revenue Service is warning, and it’s using old-fashioned physical envelopes.
The choice of a mailer is likely by design because the IRS does not contact taxpayers via email, text message or social media channels to request personal or financial information.
The scam mailer features a cardboard envelope from a delivery service, and the letter inside has an IRS masthead and the words “regarding your unclaimed refund.” However, instead of getting you a refund, the letter goes on to request detailed information that identity thieves can use themselves to file for a tax refund or access other financial information.
“This is the latest in a long line of attempts by identity thieves impersonating the IRS in hopes of tricking people into providing important personal information to steal identities and money, including refunds. on taxes,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel in a news release.
The IRS says an unusual aspect of the scam is the use of a physical mailer to entice taxpayers to email or call to provide sensitive information under “filing information.” .” That information includes driver’s license number, cellphone number, Social Security number, bank account type and bank routing information.
Fortunately, this new scam, like many others, has some glaring red flags. For example, the words and punctuation are not good:
“You Must Pick It Up To Get Your Payment After Filing. This Should Be Given To A Filing Agent Who Will Help You Submit Your Unclaimed Property Claim. If You Send All Information Please Try Checking Your Email for a Response From Agents Thanks”
Font choices vary, and the stated filing deadline, IRS phone number and contact information are incorrect.
For more information on known IRS scams see the Dirty Dozen list.
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