Ask The California Employment Tax And Payroll Tax Attorney – IRS Warns Of Latest Covid-19 Eip Scam

By Robert S. Schriebman
2020

Introduction

On November 5, 2020 the IRS issued a press release (IR-2020-249) warning of a new text scam to trick taxpayers into giving crooks bank account information. These crooks are posing as the federal government telling people that they are in line to receive a $1200 economic impact payment (EIP). However, in order to get the payment, you have to send the scammers your bank account information so that the EIP can be electronically deposited.

According to the IRS the scam text states, “You have received a direct deposit of $1200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment…” There is then a link to a fake phishing web address.

According to IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig, this scam is a new twist on ongoing efforts by criminals to separate you from your money.

Keep in mind that neither the IRS nor any California taxing agency will communicate with you by text. The IRS will not communicate with through email.

Conclusion

The new press release suggests that if you receive one of these text scams, you should take a screen shot and email it to [email protected] with:

1) date/time/timezone of the text message;

2) the number that appeared on their Caller ID; and

3) the number that received the text message.

***

Robert Schriebman has a successful practice in the Rolling Hills Estates area of Los Angeles County serving clients throughout California and the United States. He has successfully dedicated more than 40 years to helping individual taxpayers, business owners, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and tax attorneys navigate the complicated tax systems of the federal and state governments. Mr. Schriebman is in private practice. He is not affiliated in any way with the EDD and he is not employed by the EDD or any other agency of the State of California.

Robert Schriebman has written the only 2 books ever published dealing with how California Employment Development Department (EDD) operates. See “California Tax Collection Practice and Procedures” and “California Taxation Practice and Procedure,” both published by Commerce Clearing House.

Robert Schriebman has written over 20 books including the major manual used nationally by practitioners and the IRS, “IRS Tax Collection Procedures – A Manual for Practitioners” published by Commerce Clearing House.

Robert Schriebman has written over 20 books including the major manual used nationally by practitioners and the IRS, “IRS Tax Collection Procedures – A Manual for Practitioners” published by Commerce Clearing House in addition to the only 2 books ever published dealing with how California Employment Development Department (EDD) operates. See “California Tax Collection Practice and Procedures” and “California Taxation Practice and Procedure,” both published by Commerce Clearing House.

Web Site Article 511