At Gold Standard Tax, we always want to ensure your safety and will from time to time update our readers and clients on new scams. You should always be alert for new versions of tax related scams. 

The IRS issued a notification for a new property lien scam. 

The Property Lien Scam

This scam involves fake property liens by threatening you with a tax bill from a government agency that is made up, via a letter to your mailbox.

According to the IRS, you can recognize the scam from these factors:

  • A letter received in the mail from the scammer
  • The lien/levy includes made-up and not real overdue taxes due to an agency that is not real 
  • Says the IRS: “The non-existent agencies might have a legitimate-sounding name like the “Bureau of Tax Enforcement.” There is no such agency.”
  • The IRS may actually be mentioned in the letter to confuse you and try to persuade you that it is real

What should you do?

What should you do if you believe you are trying to be scammed, either by this one or another one? 

First things first, do NOT give them important information – such as your full name, address, any billing information, or tax information. Instead, try to ask detailed questions to try and find out the true nature. Research any companies listed – and ask us Golden Girls! We are here to help. 

Remember: stay safe and when in doubt, give no information out! 

 

Some information obtained from irs.gov