IRS tax fraud scams are continuing

This information was sent to the IT Security Community and Frontline Notify groups on July 7, 2015.

Hello IT Security Community and FLN,

We are continuing to see phishing messages at U-M that claim to be from the IRS and that attempt to trick people into revealing personal information. These scams are similar to those we notified you about on June 3 (IIA Alert: Beware of phishing scams circulating at U-M).

As soon as we identify one of these scams, we close it down. Unfortunately, we sometimes see a small number of people fall victim before we close down the scam.

We are also hearing that a number of people have received phone calls from people who claim to be from the IRS and who threaten tax-related legal action. Often, these are automated calls asking for an immediate call back. These are also scams.

Please help us inform people about these scams. Here is information you can share with people in your department. This information has also been posted on Safe Computing at Beware of IRS Tax Fraud Emails and Phone Calls.

Beware of IRS tax fraud emails

A number of email tax fraud messages claiming to be from the IRS have been reported at U-M. They tell people to update or validate information on a Google form that asks for personal information such as birthdate, Social Security number, and more. Do not provide this information.

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

Examples of the fraudulent messages:

• Text of 06/03/2015 Phishing Message
• Text of 07/05/2015 Phishing Message

Beware of IRS tax fraud phone calls

People across the country have been receiving phone calls from con artists claiming to be from the IRS. They often threaten tax-related legal action and demand payment. Do not provide information or money.

Note that the IRS will never call to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.

Learn more at the IRS website

• Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts (IRS)
• Report Phishing and Online Scams (IRS)

Sincerely, 
Don

Donald J. Welch, Ph.D., 
Chief Information Security Officer, 
University of Michigan