Since the client actually owed money and was not expecting a tax refund, she grew suspicious and contacted our Tax Department.

Gray, Gray & Gray cautions you that the IRS does not contact taxpayers to request personal information by phone, fax or email - only through an actual "snail mail" letter. There is a legitimate and authentic online form for verification of personal information (idverify.irs.gov). This page is accessed through the official IRS website, but should only be used if you receive Letter 5071C from the IRS requesting confirmation of your identity. (You can read more about this request in an IRS bulletin here.)

Beware: online fraudsters have created a very similar information request form, which is sent as an attachment to the fake email. If you complete and submit the form, it can provide the thieves with critical personal information.

Before responding to IRS or State Tax Departments electronically, please be sure to contact Gray, Gray & Gray's Tax Department.

If you suspect you may have been the victim of an online tax scam, please contact Gray, Gray & Gray's Tax Department at (781) 407-0300 for assistance.