The Delaware Division of Revenue would like to alert taxpayers to a new and growing scam involving fraudulent tax refunds being deposited into real taxpayer bank accounts. After the money is deposited, the crooks use various tactics to con taxpayers into turning over those funds.

How does it work? Thieves are using schemes, including phishing, to steal client data from tax professionals. They then use that data to file fraudulent tax returns, and use the taxpayers’ real bank accounts to deposit those tax refunds. Finally, the thieves pose as the IRS or other law enforcement representatives, call attention to the error, and ask taxpayers to return the money to them.

If you ever receive a refund that you are not expecting, call the Division of Revenue for more information. You can also check out the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft at IRS.gov to learn how to protect yourself from tax scams, where you can also find help with returning an erroneous refund.

The IRS warns that versions of this new scam may continue to evolve. If you think you’re being scammed, call the Delaware Division of Revenue’s Fraud Team at (302) 856-5358 for assistance.

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