Vision Payroll

This week’s question comes from Ben, a business owner. We received an e-mail from EFTPS stating that my federal tax payment had been rejected. Is there a problem with my EFTPS payment? Answer: On August 20, 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a Problem Alert regarding this EFTPS scam.

Text of IRS Problem Alert

There is a fraud risk you need to be aware of. It is related to the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

The IRS recently became aware of a fraudulent scheme targeting EFTPS users, the scheme uses an e-mail that claims your tax payment was rejected and directs you to a website for additional information. The website contains malware that will attempt to infect your computer.

If you receive a message claiming to be from the IRS or EFTPS, please:

1. Do not reply to the sender, access links on the site or submit any information to them.
2. Forward the message immediately to us at phishing@irs.gov.
3. How to report and identify phishing, e-mail scams and bogus IRS websites.
4. If you receive a suspicious e-mail or discover a website posing as the IRS, please forward the e-mail or URL information to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.
5. EFTPS is a tax payment system provided free by the US Department of Treasury. Pay federal taxes electronically via the Internet or phone 24/7. Visit EFTPS to enroll.

IRS and EFTPS Do NOT Send Unsolicited E-mails or Request Personal Information

Neither the IRS nor EFTPS sends unsolicited e-mails nor do they request personal or financial information in e-mails.

Stay Vigilant Against Attacks Aimed at Stealing Your Personal Information

Although no system is foolproof in preventing identity theft, Vision Payroll recommends vigilance in dealing with personal information, combined with a service such as LifeLock® to help detect certain types of identity theft.