Scam Alert: Beware Of Fake IRS ‘Form 9710’ Targeting Businesses
Officials are warning about a recent IRS look-alike scam related to Employer Identification Numbers (EINs). Scammers instruct businesses to complete a fake Form 9710 and return it to a third party claiming…
Officials are warning about a recent IRS look-alike scam related to Employer Identification Numbers (EINs). Scammers instruct businesses to complete a fake Form 9710 and return it to a third party claiming to represent the IRS, along with a fee to “correct the error.”
Here’s the thing: officials said that there is no such thing as an IRS Form 9710. This scam is aimed at stealing both money and sensitive information from unsuspecting businesses. So, if you do receive one, do not compete and return this form. Additionally, do not send payment to the third-party entity listed on this form.
According to the IRS website, they will never charge a taxpayer, entity or individual, for filing to obtain an EIN or for submitting corrections to the information associated with an EIN. The IRS does not contract with third parties regarding obtaining or correcting an EIN.
Here’s what to look out for.
There are some things to look out for if you receive mail or solicitations. These include misspellings and grammatical or formatting errors on the “IRS” letter or form. Disregard the form if it includes a request for payment to a third party. Additionally, take precautions if the letter requests a signature or if the letter doesn’t include information that is personal to an owner or an officer.
Scammers look to capitalize on information obtained so that they can file fraudulent tax returns to claim refunds or file fraudulent W-2 forms to claim non-existent employer-related payroll expenses. They also look to see what other information they can steal, including personal information, to identity theft against an individual.
What to do if you completed “Form 9710”?
If you completed “Form 9710” and returned it to the third party listed on the form, you should complete IRS Form 14039-B as soon as possible to report suspected identity theft of your business. Keep in mind that a scammer will not only attempt to have you send payment, but they will also try to steal your entity’s information and identity, along with the owners' and officers’ information and identity.
If you receive unexpected communications from the IRS and have questions, you should contact the IRS directly. All IRS correspondence contains a reference number and can be tracked in their systems.
Businesses that believe they have been victims of an IRS scam should access the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting website or call 800-366-4484.
