U.S. IRS Taxpayer Scam Victim Identity Theft Scam

An Identity Theft Scam

Catalog of Scams – A SCARS Institute Resource

Catalog of Scams: U.S. IRS Taxpayer Scam Victim Identity Theft Scam

A U.S. IRS Taxpayer Scam Victim Identity Theft scam is a type of fraud where scammers use stolen personal information, particularly targeting individuals who have previously been victims of other scams, to commit tax fraud. This involves stealing key details like Social Security numbers, addresses, and tax identification information. Once scammers acquire this data, they file fraudulent tax returns in the victim’s name, claiming tax refunds for themselves.

The scam typically begins with the victim’s personal information being compromised during an earlier fraud, such as a romance scam, phishing scam, or data breach. Scammers exploit this stolen data to file taxes early in the tax season, aiming to claim refunds before the actual taxpayer submits their legitimate return. Once the fraudulent tax return is filed, the scammer collects the refund, and the victim may only realize what has happened when they attempt to file their own taxes and discover that a return has already been processed.

One of the major red flags of this scam is when a victim receives an IRS notification or tax transcript for a tax return they did not file. Often, victims may also receive unexpected notifications about refunds, tax debts, or audits, leading them to contact the IRS, where the identity theft is confirmed. These scams create a lengthy and stressful process for victims, as they must work with the IRS to resolve the issue and prove their identity.

Scammers target previous scam victims for several reasons. First, the victim’s personal information is already compromised, making them an easier target. Additionally, scammers know that previous victims may not yet have taken steps to safeguard their identity after the initial scam. The fraudulent returns are filed with enough personal detail to appear legitimate, especially when the victim’s stolen data includes full names, addresses, and sometimes even copies of identification.

The financial and emotional toll of this scam can be substantial. Victims face delayed tax refunds, audits, and potential penalties if the IRS suspects that they filed false information. Resolving the identity theft with the IRS can take months, leaving victims with uncertainty about their tax obligations and financial status. It can also lead to a cycle of further victimization, as once a victim’s personal details are compromised, they may be targeted by other types of fraud.

In some cases, scammers may also use stolen identities to create fraudulent IRS profiles or accounts on other platforms, further complicating the victim’s situation. Victims may find their financial reputation damaged or face complications with their credit reports due to the fraudulent activity linked to their identity.

In summary, the U.S. IRS Taxpayer Scam Victim Identity Theft scam is a highly targeted form of fraud, exploiting stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns and steal tax refunds. It often affects individuals who have previously been scammed, leaving them to deal with delayed refunds, IRS investigations, and identity recovery challenges.

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Block Scam Domains: Quad9.net
Global Cyber Alliance ACT Cybersecurity Tool Website: Actionable Cybersecurity Tools (ACT) (globalcyberalliance.org) https://act.globalcyberalliance.org/index.php/Actionable_Cybersecurity_Tools_(ACT)_-_Simplified_Cybersecurity_Protection
Wizer Cybersecurity Training – Free Security Awareness Training, Phishing Simulation and Gamification (wizer-training.com)

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