IRS Warning about Identity Theft Scheme Through the Mail-Truth!
Summary of eRumor:
The message says the IRS has issued an alert about crooks who are mailing official-looking documents said to be from your bank and from the IRS to trick you into disclosing personal information.
The Truth:
This one is true. It’s actually two different fraud schemes, but both pretend to originate from your bank.
The alert has been announced by the Internal Revenue Service,
THE PHONY IRS SCAM
According to the IRS, you receive a letter from your bank saying that in order for you to be able to continue deducting interest on your income tax form, some information needs to be updated. Included is an official looking form said to be from the IRS. Here is an example:
THE QUESTIONNAIRE
It is a one page sheet that asks for information such as name, address, and phone. It also asks, however, for your Social Security number and includes a request for you to send a copy of your Social Security card and your driver’s license.
Here is an example of the envelope that comes with the letter and questionnaire:
The Treasure Department says that if you have received and responded to either of these schemes to contact your local police department and to also report it to The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484.