DOVER, DE — The Delaware Division of Revenue is alerting residents to a new tax scam targeting individuals within the state. This scam involves fraudulent letters from an entity calling itself the “Tax Processing Unit,” which threaten property seizures and wage garnishments unless the recipient contacts a provided toll-free number to “avoid enforcement.”
“These scam mailings are increasingly targeting individuals with fake notices that appear to be from legitimate Delaware tax authorities,” warns Director Kathy Revel. The notices intimidate recipients by threatening to seize their property if immediate payment is not made.
The scam tactics involve creating a sense of urgency and fear to compel victims into quick action. The fraudulent notices include taxpayer-specific information, which the scammers access from public records to make the notices appear authentic.
To combat this scam, the Division of Revenue offers several protective measures:
- Do Not Rush: Scammers often use urgency to pressure victims into quickly providing personal information or making payments. Take time to review any unexpected notices carefully.
- Verify the Source: If you receive a notice from an unfamiliar or suspicious entity, verify its legitimacy before taking any action. Contact the Division of Revenue directly using the contact information available on the official website or through your portal account at tax.delaware.gov to confirm if genuine tax notices have been issued. Do not call the phone number provided in the suspicious notice.
- Look for Red Flags: Be cautious of notices that lack specific details about your tax account or those that don’t provide a return mail address. Legitimate notices will include detailed account information and valid contact options.
- Protect Your Information: Never share personal or financial information in response to unsolicited requests. Always ensure you are dealing with a legitimate representative of the Division of Revenue.
Taxpayers who believe they may have received such a fraudulent letter are advised to call the Division of Revenue at (302) 577-8200, option 3, with any queries. Additionally, taxpayers should file a Consumer Complaint with the Delaware Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit. Information about the complaint process and the complaint form is available on the Department of Justice’s website.
This alert serves as a critical reminder for Delaware residents to stay vigilant against tax-related scams. By following the Division of Revenue’s guidelines, taxpayers can better protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
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