The Washington State Department of Revenue wants local citizens and businesses to be aware of a new email phishing scam.
According to the agency, scammers are sending fraudulent emails indicating that the Department of Revenue has filed a lien in county probate courts or with the Secretary of State. The taxpayer is directed to make a cash-by-wire-transfer payment before Jan. 20. Neither the email nor fax number listed in the email for Revenue is legitimate.
According to Revenue director Carol K. Nelson, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using phone numbers that are just one or two digits different than the agency’s toll-free information line.
“Trust your instincts: if you are uncertain about a message from someone claiming to represent the Department, call us back at the numbers listed on our website,” said Nelson. “That’s a legitimate way to protect yourself from scammers.”
For more information, visit the Department of Revenue online at https://dor.wa.gov.