Now that scammers are having far less success with IRS scams involving phone calls, text messages, and e-mails, sophisticated scammers are now sending letters to people that people could easily mistake for actual IRS notices.
This video tells you how to spot counterfeit letters, what would happen if you responded to the letter by telephone, and what to do if your receive a notice you believe is not genuine.
0:00 Introduction
0:34 Counterfeit "IRS Letters"
1:47 Spotting Counterfeit Notices
3:03 What happens if you call the number on the letter
4:30 What to do if you suspect your letter is counterfeit
5:50 Conclusion
Tips on how to call the IRS: • How to call the IRS
Additional resources and information:
Actually, there is very little information on this scam available from the IRS, only instructions to call the IRS to confirm that the notice is genuine, and where to report any scam communication.
The following sources are from tax resolution firms. Your Tax Geek does not endorse these firms:
Community Tax: "What To Do When You Get A Fake IRS Letter": www.communitytax.com/tax-blog...
WTax: "Fake IRS Letter: What Does a Real IRS Letter Look Like?": www.wtaxattorney.com/tax-prob...
Places to report IRS scams:
phishing@irs.gov.website8038
www.identitytheft.com (Federal Trade Commission)
The Tax Geek on the Site Formerly Known as Twitter: @taxgeekusa
The Tax Geek on Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/askataxgeek
Image and footage credits:
Storyblocks.com
NOTE: The notices and letters shown in this video are re-creations of the original notices or letters, and every effort has been made to redact or fictionalize taxpayer information.
No artificial intelligence was used to research, write, animate, voice, or edit this video
Intro Music: "Bluesy Vibes" - Doug Maxwell - KZfaq Creator Music
Outro Music: "Modern Attempt" - Track Tribe under license from KZfaq Creator Music
DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to render tax advice or financial advice for individual situations. If you have questions regarding your particular situation, please consult with a qualified tax or financial professional.