The IRS said scammers posting as tax software publishers are using the ploy of requiring verification for transmitting tax returns as a way to obtain EFIN documents

The latest scam involves a email that includes a U.S-based area code for faxing EFIN documents and provides instructions on obtaining EFIN documentation from the IRS e-Services site.

Variations of this communication utilizing different fax numbers for software vendors. Warning signs include inconsistencies in the email wording and a German footer in the email.

The IRS says the email message warns recipients that until their EFINs are verified they will be unable to transmits returns and they are asked to provide a copy of a EFIN Account Summary from IRS e-Services, with a status of ‘Completed’, to the software company for verification.

Bob Scott

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Bob Scott has provided information to the tax and accounting community since 1991, first as technology editor of Accounting Today, and from 1997 through 2009 as editor of its sister publication, Accounting Technology. He is known throughout the industry for his depth of knowledge and for his high journalistic standards.  Scott has made frequent appearances as a speaker, moderator and panelist and events serving tax and accounting professionals. He  has a strong background in computer journalism as an editor with two former trade publications, Computer+Software News and MIS Week and spent several years with weekly and daily newspapers in Morris County New Jersey prior to that.  A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism, Bob is a native of Madison, Ind