Fake IRS Emails Targeting Military Personnel

Email address displays .mil domain, but is not legit

If you didn’t already dread statements from the Internal Revenue Service, you might now. Current or previous military employees are starting to report seeing fraudulent emails from the Defense Finance and Accounting Services department headed their way.

This email sends a notification, which indicates that anyone receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) may be eligible to obtain additional funds from the IRS.

The email address, which displays a .mil domain, is not a legitimate government email address. Emails coming from this fraudulent address request that copies of VA award letters, income tax returns, 1099-Rs, Retiree Account Statements and DD 214s are sent to a colonel in Florida in order to receive these additional funds.

The best ways to avoid falling victim to these email scams are to look out for:

  • Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on false statements of entitlement to tax credits
  • Emails from unfamiliar senders asking for personal information
  • Internet solicitation that direct individuals to toll-free numbers and then solicit Social Security numbers or other personal information

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot warned Marylanders of the scam.

“In these tough economic times, unscrupulous people prey on the vulnerabilities of others," he said. "While an unexpected windfall may sound mighty appealing, we urge Marylanders not to take the bait.”

For further protection, if you receive suspicious correspondence from the IRS or the Comptroller of Maryland, contact the respective office to verify the information.

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