This just showed up in my inbox:
First thing: The IRS never sends emails to taxpayers. If you get any email claiming to be from the IRS, it is spam.
My favorite parts of this lame phishing attempt:
- There aren't enough people named "Monte." Monte Pena is a cool sounding name. I wish I worked with a Monte. Just so I could yell it across the office.
- The HTML code reveals that is pointed to a page on the domain http://ovarc.us. Which is the website for the Oswegatchie Valley Amateur Radio Club website. Um – hello?
- The reply-to code reveals an email address: CA55FCEA@revison.com. Totally nothing shady there.
- The plural of business owners is used, even though it is directed to me, a singular person. My guess they use the plural cause that's just how awesome my business is.
- Accidentally is misspelled.
- They inform me that because of this mistake, the IRS will give me a break on my next tax audit.
- The phrase they use to convey the fact that I will be given a break on my next audit is "certain indulgences will be applied…" Love it. Like buying my way into tax heaven.
AGAIN: The IRS does NOT EVER send email to taxpayers. If you get one, ignore it.
There have been more and more scams from people claiming to be the IRS as time goes on. Email, telephone, text and snail mail are all ways these scammers will contact you. If you are contacted and are unsure if it is a legitimage contact, simply call the IRS and ask if you have an outstanding tax debt or any issues. If you prefer to find out if you have a tax issue without contacting the IRS yourself and potentially raising red flags, read about our Total Tax Diagnosis here.
To report a scam issue to the IRS, click here: https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.
