Watch out for IRS phishing scams

We have been alerted that a number of taxpayers are receiving emails from scammers representing themselves as IRS agents.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information – this includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages or social media.
Taxpayers are receiving emails claiming to be from the Taxpayer Advocacy Service, bearing their logo, and containing a fake case number. These emails contain a link which leads to a website and/or contact person that solicits their personal information, and often contains the below text.
“Your reported 2013 income is flagged for review due to a document processing error. Your case has been forwarded to the Taxpayer Advocate Service for resolution assistance. To avoid delays processing your 2013 filing contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service for resolution assistance.”
If you receive a communication such as this, do not reply, open any attachments, or click on any links. Forward the email as-is to phishing@nullirs.gov.
The IRS is also warning of one of the largest phone scams ever. Callers claim to be from the IRS and are telling people that they owe taxes and must pay using a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. The scammers threaten those who refuse to pay with arrest, deportation or the loss of a business or driver’s license. If you receive a call like this from the IRS out of the blue, chances are high that it is a scam.
Always remember to think twice when receiving and emails or any communications soliciting your personal information.