An IRS Refund Scam often involves fraudulent mailers designed to steal sensitive business data and personal identifiers. These deceptive letters frequently use fake IRS mastheads and demand photos of driver’s licenses to “trigger” a non-existent tax payment. Consequently, taxpayers must verify all unexpected correspondence through official government channels to prevent total identity theft.
The Evolution of the IRS Refund Scam in 2026
Tax season always brings a surge in sophisticated fraud attempts. Lately, scammers have moved beyond simple emails to physical “cardboard envelope” mailers. This specific IRS Refund Scam targets your sense of urgency. It claims you have an unclaimed refund waiting for processing. However, the IRS never requests sensitive photos via text or unsecure portals.
At TYS, we utilize our 60+ years of construction and tax accounting experience to protect our clients. If you need a business tax preparer near me in Walnut Creek or a taxes accountant near me in Rochester, we provide the security you deserve. We understand how these criminals operate.
Critical Red Flags of Fraudulent Correspondence
Modern criminals use high-quality printers, but they still make mistakes. You must look for technical inconsistencies in every letter. Transitioning to a high-alert mindset is the first step in defense.
1. Requests for Biometric or ID Photos
A common IRS Refund Scam asks for “four angles” of your driver’s license. The IRS already has your identifying information on file. Therefore, they will never ask you to upload a selfie or a license photo to a third-party site.
2. Technical and Statutory Errors
Scammers often fail to understand specific tax laws. For example, they might cite the wrong deadlines for a WIP Schedule submission or misquote Section 460 regulations. If a letter mentions your Tax Basis or Over/Under-billing in a confusing way, it is likely a fake.
3. Professional Formatting Flaws
Official government documents follow strict style guides. In contrast, scam letters often feature:
- Mixed fonts and sizes.
- Poor grammar or “awkward” English.
- Incorrect return addresses that do not match official IRS service centers.
How Construction Firms Can Stay Secure
Construction companies are frequent targets because they handle large cash flows. Protecting your firm requires a dedicated business tax preparer near me. We help you monitor your account transcripts for any unauthorized changes.
| Method of Contact | Is it the IRS? | Action Required |
| U.S. Postal Service | Usually Yes | Verify the notice number online. |
| Direct Email | No | Do not click links; report to [email protected]. |
| Text Message | No | Block the sender immediately. |
| Social Media DM | No | Ignore and report the profile. |
Furthermore, businesses should implement an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This six-digit number adds a layer of security to your filing. It prevents a criminal from using your EIN or SSN to file a fake return.
Why Professional Oversight Matters
Managing a business is difficult enough without worrying about an IRS Refund Scam. Our team monitors the latest “Dirty Dozen” list released by the Treasury. We ensure your WIP Schedule and financial data remain behind secure, encrypted firewalls.
Moreover, we provide a human touch. If you receive a strange letter, you can call us immediately. We verify the legitimacy of the document before you take any risks. This proactive approach is why many look for a taxes accountant near me who understands the local Rochester and Walnut Creek markets.
Q&A: Protecting Your Business Assets
Q1: What should I do if I already sent my info to an IRS Refund Scam?
First, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit immediately. Next, freeze your credit with all three major bureaus. Finally, alert your business tax preparer near me to monitor your tax account for fraudulent filings.
Q2: Does the IRS ever call businesses about refunds?
The IRS usually sends several letters via mail before calling. Even then, they will not demand immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards. Therefore, always hang up and call the official IRS business line to verify the agent’s credentials.
Q3: How do I check my real refund status safely?
Always use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the official IRS.gov website. Alternatively, use the IRS2Go mobile app. These are the only secure ways to track your money without falling for an IRS Refund Scam.
Q4: Can a scammer use my WIP Schedule or Tax Basis info?
Yes, sophisticated thieves use specific financial data to make their scams look real. They may use your public records or stolen data to craft a highly personalized letter. Always keep your internal financial documents in a secure, password-protected environment.
Contact TYS today at our Rochester, NY or Walnut Creek, CA offices to secure your business against fraud and optimize your tax strategy.