The IRS is warning you about the following scam. People are posing as IRS agents or collection agents working for the IRS and are looking to access your bank accounts. So how do they do that?
According to a press release from the IRS,First, they hack into tax professionals computer files. After stealing client data and filing fraudulent tax returns, the criminals use the taxpayers’ real bank accounts for the deposit. Then they contact the taxpayer in the following ways:
From IRS press release:
“In one version of the scam, criminals posing as debt collection agency officials acting on behalf of the IRS contacted the taxpayers to say a refund was deposited in error, and they asked the taxpayers to forward the money to their collection agency.
In another version, the taxpayer who received the erroneous refund gets an automated call with a recorded voice saying he is from the IRS and threatens the taxpayer with criminal fraud charges, an arrest warrant and a “blacklisting” of their Social Security Number. The recorded voice gives the taxpayer a case number and a telephone number to call to return the refund.”
You can read the full release with more helpful information here!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
