Scam of the Week: Insidious IRS Social Engineering Scam

A recent investigation by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has found an insidious new IRS scam. This form of hack attack is conducted through a fake IRS CP 2000 form, which is sent through emails with attachments, text messages, live calls, and even snail mail. The hackers claim that the income reported on your tax return does not match the income reported by your employer—but the IRS will never initiate contact with you to fully discuss this information by email, text message, or phone call.

Insidious IRS Social Engineering Scam

If you receive any emails, texts, mail, or live calls about this, hang up the phone or do not respond. To confirm the legitimacy of any information you may have received, including a “CP 2000”, you can call the IRS at 1-800-366-4484.