IRS Releases Phishing Warning
Jeff Storch | 10.21.16
The IRS on September 22, 2016 released yet another warning about phishing emails. The IRS has received numerous reports around the country of scammers sending an email that includes a CP2000 notice for 2015 as an attachment and asking taxpayers to mail a check made out to “I.R.S.” to the “Austin Processing Center” at a Post Office Box address. This is in addition to a “payment” link within the email itself.
The CP2000 is a notice commonly mailed to taxpayers through the United States Postal Service. It is never sent as part of an email to taxpayers. Further, the IRS generally requests tax payments be made to the “United States Treasury,” not to “I.R.S.”
The IRS advises that taxpayers beware of any unsolicited email purported to be from the IRS or any unknown source and never open an attachment or click on a link within an email sent by sources they do not know. For more information, see IR-2016 – 123, Sept. 22, 2016, available online at https://www.irs.gov/uac/irs-and-security-summit-partners-warn-of-fake-tax-bill-emails .
DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for general informational purposes only. This post is not updated to account for changes in the law and should not be considered tax or legal advice. This article is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with legal and/or financial advisors for legal and tax advice tailored to your specific circumstances.