Reported by Kelley R. Taylor

There’s a new IRS scam to watch out for. Some people are receiving cardboard envelopes in the mail containing the IRS masthead and the wording: “in relation to your unclaimed refund.” Monday, the agency warned that the mailings are a scam to trick taxpayers into providing sensitive information to thieves. The IRS says it “never initiates contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill or tax refund.”

• The fake letters contain false contact details and ask for personal and financial information, such as a detailed photo of your driver’s license. 
• Identity thieves can use this information to commit fraud. 
• According to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, this is one of many scams used by criminals who pretend to be from the IRS. 
• The IRS releases a yearly list of the top twelve “dirty dozen” scams taxpayers should know.

“These scams can come in through email, text, or even in special mailings,” Werfel said in a statement about the warning, adding, “People should be careful to watch out for red flags that mark these as IRS scams.” 

In its most recent warning, the IRS says taxpayers should look out for awkward wording and inaccurate information indicating the letters are a scam.

Read full report: https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/unclaimed-tax-refund-irs-mail-scam