| IRS 'E-Audit' Scam Warning | |||
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| Netlore Archive | |||
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Email text contributed by Elliott Fleming, 02/05/02:
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Subject: IRS Audit Scam! Beware!
Special Alert to the Public The Michigan Department of Treasury recently received an alert from the Internal Revenue Service about a fraudulent scam being conducted via E mail that you should be on the look out for: Some taxpayers have received an e mail from a non-IRS source indicating that the taxpayer is under audit and needs to complete a questionnaire within 48 hours to avoid The assessment of penalties and interest. The e mail refers to an "e-audit" and references IRS form 1040. The taxpayer is asked for social security numbers, bank account numbers and other confidential information. THE IRS DOES NOT CONDUCT E-AUDITS, NOR DOES IT NOTIFY TAXPAYERS OF A PENDING AUDIT VIA E-MAIL. THIS E MAIL IS NOT FROM THE IRS. Do not provide the requested information - this may be an identity-theft attempt. |
Comments: While the above alert contains some accurate information and sound advice — namely that the Internal Revenue Service does not conduct "e-audits" and consumers should beware of emails from strangers asking for personal information — the fact is, this alleged scam doesn't exist.
According to an IRS spokesman, erroneous warnings went out after the agency discovered a Website asking users to fill out a form with personal information, allegedly for purposes of an income tax audit. It was subsequently determined to be a "joke" with no criminal intent.
The Michigan Department of Treasury fell for it too, posting a notice similar to the above on its Website. It has since replaced the warning with a revised version couched in more general language.
Tax scams do exist and consumers are well-advised to watch out for them, but forwarding this inaccurate warning serves no useful purpose. Just delete it.
Sources and further reading:
Just Ignore IRS Warning About 'E-Audits' Scam
Cleveland Plain Dealer, 14 Feb 2002Confidential Information Warning
Michigan Department of TreasuryIRS: Tax Scams/Fraud Alerts
IRS consumer information page
Current Internet Hoaxes
The Urban Legends Top 25
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