Scammers are sending out fake IRS letters to taxpayers demanding money — here's how to spot a fraud

The IRS has warned taxpayers about a scam in which letters are being mailed to taxpayers from a fake agency called the “Bureau of Tax Enforcement” demanding immediate payments. Some even mention the IRS.

A tax lawyer says any legitimate IRS letter or notice will have an official seal and a notice or letter number, among other distinguishing markers.

If you determine your letter or notice from the IRS is real, don't ignore it.

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The IRS prefers to get in touch with taxpayers via snail mail, and scammers know it.

The Internal Revenue Service is in the thick of correspondence season, reported tax lawyer Kelly Phillips Erb for Forbes. It's the period when the agency sends out letters, typically via the US Postal Service, requesting late payments and notifying taxpayers of errors on their returns.

But just because you receive a formal-looking piece of mail about your taxes doesn't mean you should take it as fact. The best way to ensure you don't end up a victim of fraud is to remain vigilant and skeptical, during and after tax season.

Earlier this summer, the IRS warned taxpayers about a popular scam in which fraudsters mail letters to taxpayers from a non-existent group called the “Bureau of Tax Enforcement” requesting immediate payments. Some letters even mention the IRS and may include factual tax information.

“That's scary for taxpayers because it feels legitimate, but keep in mind that some tax-related information, like liens that have been filed against taxpayers, may be available to the public,” Phillips Erb wrote. “Don't be frightened into giving up cash or personal information just because a scammer knows one or two facts about you.”

According to Phillips Erb, a real letter from the IRS will have a few distinguishing markers, such as an official IRS seal, a notice or letter number in the top right corner of the paper, information about your rights as a taxpayer, and a phone number to contact the IRS directly. Perhaps most telling, if the letter is asking for a gift card, cash, or check to be sent to any person or organization other than the US Treasury, it's fraudulent.

You can always confirm the validity of an IRS notice or letter by creating or logging into an existing account on the IRS website, or calling the agency directly. If you determine the letter or notice is legitimate and is requesting you either confirm a change, provide information, or make a payment, don't ignore it.

“The worst thing someone can do when an IRS notice comes is nothing,” Nina Olson, a tax lawyer and the former National Taxpayer Advocate, recently told the Wall Street Journal. “Take it from me: If you get a letter, call the IRS. If the agency doesn't agree with you, find out your rights. If you don't act, they can ramp up enforcement.”

You should always report IRS-related phishing attempts and fraud to the Treasury Inspector General at 800-366-4484 or phishing@irs.gov.