Phishing scams affecting taxpayers

Scammers are sending fraudulent email and phone messages, trying to part you from your money. Beware!

The latest scheme involves an email similar to the one below. Contact Revenue if you receive a message like this. Also consider filing reports with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and Federal Trade Commission consumer protection teams.

TAXPAYER NOTICE OF LIEN
Lien Number:

The Washington Department of  Revenue has filed a lien in County Probate Court(s) and, or in Uniform Commercial Code Financial Statement of the Secretary of State. This action has been taken to protect the interest of the state,since you have failed to make full payment of the tax liability referenced above.
Your file has been transferred to the Collection Services Division. The lien will be released upon full payment, which includes interest that accrues daily. Payment must be made in cash by(wire transfer) or other mode of payment in order to ensure a prompt lien release on before 20th of January 2015, contact the Collection Division by fax or email them for payoff information.
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Washington State Department of Revenue
Collection Services Division
Wenatchee, WA 98807-0220
Email:revenuecollection@mail2washington.com
Fax: 0871 528 0843


Various phishing scams continue, and the Department has recently learned that taxpayers are receiving fraudulent phone calls from perpetrators pretending to be the “Revenue Service." In the phone call, taxpayers are being told that they are being investigated and would have a restraining order placed on them if they didn’t call the number back in 24 hours. These phone calls are typically trying to steal credit card information by luring the taxpayer into paying a fine.

The Department does not initiate restraining orders and if you receive a call such as this, hang up and contact the Department at 360-705-6705. You may also call the Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fraud line to report it.

Note: Taxpayers may receive a call from DOR agents or from the Initial Contact Team (ICT) regarding the taxpayer’s business account. DOR agents will leave a message asking taxpayers to return their call. Call back phone numbers can be for specific DOR agent assigned to a taxpayer account or from the ICT’s number, 253-661-4279. If you are unsure whether a call or message from DOR is legitimate, call Taxpayer Services at 360-705-6705 or the ICT at 253-661-4279 for additional information and assistance.