Today the IRS is warning us about a NEW SCAM. This new scam involved your online account are available at the IRS website.
Setting up and using your online account helps avoid long and often frustrating phone calls to the IRS. Within your online account you can check your records, payments and balances due. These accounts are easy and free to set up but some nasty scammers have started calling, emailing and texting taxpayers, offering to help set up your online account. Never accept this help. Never pay for this help and always report these scammers to:
Mail: Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center
Stop MS5040https://wendybarlin.com/
24000 Avila Road
Laguna Niguel, California 92677-3405
Fax: 877-477-9135
OR you could even use the Whistleblower Line and perhaps get a reward. Is your reward taxable ?
Either way, please do not ever accept “help” with an online account from a stranger. I know this seems like a simple statement however when it comes to taxes and the IRS, many taxpayers seem to lose their sense of logic, get nervous and say yes. This can be an expensive mistake as the scammers will steal your information. Now if you tax preparer or trusted advisor offers to help you set up your online account at the IRS so that they can together with you access your records, then go ahead, that seems like a safe choice.
If you are at all concerned, please do reach out to me and I will do my best to assist. Stay safe this tax filing season!
