The bad actors are sending emails to tax professionals posing as a tax software provider that needs to verify EFIN owners. They are requesting the unsuspecting victims to provide EFIN documents, saying “Our records show that we do not have a document for one or more of the EFINs that you transmit with” and until they do so they will not be able to transmit returns. The bad actor’s goal is likely to use the stolen EFIN information to set up new accounts in a vendor different than what the victim currently uses.

The scam email includes a phone number with a US-based area code to fax the EFIN documents to, and even provides instructions on how to get your EFIN documentation from the actual IRS e-Services site if they don’t have the documentation. Variations of the same scam will use different fax numbers for different software vendors. Some inconsistencies in the wording were observed that also tipped off the fact that it is a scam email. There was also a footer at the bottom of the email that was in German, further indicating that it’s a scam.

Details of the email include:

FAX number is (631) area code, or Eastern Long Island, NY.

IRS e-Services number listed in the scam email “(866) 255-0654” is legitimate number for EFIN assistance at IRS. Email appears to start off addressing as a “Specific Software Company A” customer, then switches to referring to themselves as “A different Software Company B” wording. This would indicate they may have taken a real Software Company A letter and edited it clumsily to fax to “Software Company B” at the provided fax number

------ Email text below --------

Dear [recipient_email_address],

Help us protect you.

Because many Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) are stolen each year and used to file fraudulent tax returns, the IRS has asked software vendors, such as Software A, to verify who the EFIN owner is by getting a copy of the IRS issued EFIN document(s). Our records show that we do not have a document for one or more of the EFINs that you transmit with.

What this means for you: Until your EFIN is verified, you will be unable to transmit returns. Please provide a copy of your EFIN Account Summary from IRS e-Services, with a status of ‘Completed’, to Software B for verification.

To send us your EFIN Summary document:

1. Fax to Software B at 631-995-5984

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR PREPARER TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PTIN) APPLICATION CANNOT BE USED AS DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR EFIN.

If you do not have the above documentation you can get a copy of your IRS Application Summary from IRS e-Services by following the below steps or call the IRS e-Services helpline at 866-255- 0654.

1. Sign in to your IRS e-Services account
2. Choose your organization from the list provided and click Submit
3. Click the Application link to access your existing application
4. Click the e-File Application link
5. Select the existing application link that applies to your organization
6. Click the Application Summary link for the area of the application you wish to enter
7. Click the Print Summary link at the bottom of the summary presented on the screen

If you have any questions please contact the Compliance Department at xxx-xx-xxxx for assistance. Thank you for your business. We look forward to serving you this coming season. Software B (edited)

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