Alert for Counterfeit Tax Statements: Identifying False Submissions
Alert: Beware of Bogus Tax Demands
With the tax season underway, consumers must be vigilant against deceitful tax notices that mimic those from the Federal Central Tax Office. These fraudulent letters demand immediate payment for alleged late tax filings, often within a two-day deadline.
To ensure your protection, the Bavarian Tax Assistance (Lohi) offers guidelines to discern these scams:
- Inconsistencies: Although the letters may initially appear authentic, a closer examination might reveal discrepancies. For instance, different dates on various pages or inconsistent sender information may raise suspicion.
- Personal greetings: Victims often receive generic greetings, such as "Dear Taxpayer," since genuine tax offices typically use the recipient's name and tax identification number in their correspondence. If provided, ensure the tax ID aligns with your own, as it's usually incorrect in these cases.
- Responsibility: Be aware that local tax offices are responsible for handling tax returns, and not the Federal Central Tax Office. If you receive a notice that seemingly originates from the latter, it may be a red flag.
- International Accounts: No German authority maintains accounts abroad. However, fraudulent letters occasionally display foreign IBAN codes, such as those starting with "ES" (Spanish accounts). A genuine German IBAN typically commences with "DE."
- Confirmation: If the initial evaluation passes, inquire with your local tax office to ascertain if the demand is genuine. Find their contact information online or consult your previous tax notice.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
Additional Tips:- Protecting yourself from phishing attempts and tax-related identity theft calls for vigilance and carefulness.- Unsolicited demands for immediate payment, unusual payment methods, and threats or intimidation are all indications of fraud.- Verify all notices with the IRS directly using their official number.- Report suspicious emails or messages, impersonation scams, and suspected fraudulent tax filings to the appropriate authorities.- Freeze your credit, report any suspicious financial activity, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission to bolster identity theft protection.
- In the midst of the tax season, it is crucial to understand that the Bavarian Tax Assistance (Lohi) advises being vigilant against fake tax notices that mirrors those from the Federal Central Tax Office, which might demand immediate payment for supposed late tax filings within a tight two-day deadline.
- As you navigate through your financial responsibilities, be mindful that important guidelines, such as those provided by the Bavarian Tax Assistance, can help you identify potential scams. These include scrutinizing for inconsistencies, examining personal greetings, recognizing the proper party responsible for handling tax returns, checking for international accounts, and verifying any tax demands with your local tax office.
