The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers to watch out for new versions of two tax-related scams. One involves Social Security numbers related to tax issues. The other threatens taxpayers with a tax bill from a fictional government agency. To learn more, click here.
The IRS's warning about the "tax bill" mailed from a fictional government agency is a familiar one: At least one taxpayer in Providence, Rhode Island, recently reported receiving such a letter and has contacted authorities about it. "Even though summer is here, individuals and businesses still need to be on their guard against scams," said Rhode Island Tax Administrator Neena Savage. "Criminals come up with many different ways to try, under false pretenses, to obtain your personal information, your money, or both. Be careful," she advised.
Earlier this year, she warned taxpayers about a scam from someone who calls on the phone, claiming to be from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. “If you receive this sort of call, don’t provide any information. Write down the caller’s name and contact information, if available. Then hang up and contact the appropriate agency," she said at the time.
The IRS, the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, tax agencies from other states, and the tax community are part of the Security Summit. Partners in the Security Summit work together to combat identity theft to protect the nation’s taxpayers.
