The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has issued a fraud alert warning taxpayers about fake tax letters spreading across the state. Officials say the fraudulent notices claim residents owe tax debt and threaten property seizure, fines, or penalties if immediate payment is not made.
Scammers are mailing fraudulent letters to Texas taxpayers using names that sound official, including “Tax Processing Unit” and “Tax Processing Center.” The letters claim people owe back taxes and threaten actions such as property seizure, liens, and distraint warrants.
The Comptroller’s office stated on its website, “If you receive an unexpected message of this type, do not call the phone number or use the website or link provided in the letter, email, or text. Most importantly, do not give the sender personal information or money.”
These fake letters often demand a response within 10 to 15 days, creating a sense of urgency that prompts recipients to act without verifying the claims.
Fake letters pressure residents to make immediate payments and often request personal or financial information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or tax return data. Payment is usually demanded through wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency, making recovery of funds nearly impossible.
To appear legitimate, scammers mimic government language and formatting, sometimes citing a “Distraint Warrant” to suggest court authority. Officials note that legitimate tax agencies do not threaten arrest, suspend licenses, or demand payment without prior notice.
Fraudulent tax notices exploit fears surrounding tax debt and penalties. Criminals hope that by using legal terminology and official-style documents, taxpayers will assume the claims are valid.
In reality, both the Texas Comptroller and the Internal Revenue Service follow tax laws that require multiple notifications before enforcement actions. Agencies provide taxpayers with clear appeal processes, official payment options, and time to resolve disputes.
Officials urge residents to be cautious of any notice demanding payment on behalf of an agency without prior communication.
Beyond fake letters, tax scams often increase during tax season and include phishing emails, text messages, and phone calls. Criminals may claim to represent the IRS or state tax authorities and attempt to collect money or request personal details.
Social media is also being used to spread fraudulent tax information, including posts that promise refunds or warn of fabricated fines. Scammers often use fake websites or addresses to trick people into sending money or disclosing data.
Residents are reminded that government agencies will not request personal or financial information through email, text, or social media platforms.
The Federal Trade Commission advises taxpayers to avoid falling victim to these schemes by refusing to click suspicious links or provide sensitive information. The FTC recommends reporting fraud attempts through its official website, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The agency notes that consumers should be aware of red flags such as threats of arrest, urgent deadlines, or demands for immediate payment. Legitimate agencies will never request personal details like a Social Security number or bank account data through unsolicited messages.
The Texas Comptroller urges taxpayers to verify any suspicious notices directly with its Collection Team at 800-252-8880. The office also advises reporting scams to stop.spoofing@cpa.texas.gov.
The Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Federal Trade Commission are additional resources for victims of fraud. Taxpayers who have already sent money or personal details should file a report immediately and follow guidance to reduce the risks of identity theft.
Remaining alert to red flags, safeguarding financial information, and contacting official agencies are crucial steps to protect against tax fraud and other forms of criminal activity.
Officials warn that falling victim to fraudulent tax scams can lead to identity theft and long-term damage. Once criminals gain access to personal data such as Social Security numbers, they may file false tax returns, open accounts, or commit additional fraud in the victim’s name.
Protecting personal and financial information is essential. Taxpayers should never provide details by phone, email, or letter unless they have verified the agency through an official website or business address.
Taxpayers should be vigilant for phishing emails that imitate official government messages. Suspicious signs include urgent demands, requests for payment by prepaid debit cards, and threats of fines or audits. Messages that come from vague agencies or addresses are also warning signs.
Officials recommend that taxpayers carefully review any letter or notice, avoid sharing data online, and report attempts to legitimate agencies.
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