Alert from the IRS
Taxpayers – both in the US and abroad- have been the victims of “Vishing” (Voice + phishing) scams during the past 18 months. Individuals acting alone (or possibly in groups) are faxing taxpayers bogus IRS documents. Taxpayers are then completing these documents – which contain their PII – and sending them back [...]
This Holiday Season, Don’t Give A Gift To A Thief
It’s been said that the true spirit of the holiday season is in giving, not receiving. With this in mind, it’s likely that you will be spending a bit of time shopping for presents, your credit card flying out of your wallet or purse like wind-blown snow.
But as you shop online, be sure you’re [...]
YouTube: Tips from the IRS – Watch Out for Tax Scams
Here’s a Tip from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS will never send you an unexpected email about your taxes or a refund. If you get one, there’s one thing you can count on. It’s a scam. Everyday, crooks come up with new ways to steal your identity and other personal information. Scammers may [...]
YouTube: Scamnet – Lonely Hearts Scam Division
Tom Consul and Joe Tuesday investigate the latest scam using the internet. U.S. Embassy London also offer advice on how to avoid being a victim of a scam.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam, please visit our website for more information on how to report it: http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/scs/internet_scams.html
Warning: New IRS Phishing Scheme!
21 October 2009
There is new phishing scheme that professes to be from the IRS Office in London. The sender states that he is an IRS employee and asks you to pay a transfer charge or processing fee in order to obtain a substantial sum of money. Do not reply to this attempt to gain your [...]
New “IRS” E-mail Scam Circulating
In recent weeks, a phony e-mail claiming to come from the IRS has been circulating in large numbers. The subject line of the e-mail often states that the e-mail is a notice of underreported income. The e-mail may contain an attachment or a link to a bogus Web page directing taxpayers to their “tax statement.” [...]
My Friend Needs Help!
Q: My friend just contacted me on Facebook saying that they’re stranded in London and need money urgently. Is there anything you can do to help them?
A: You should tell your friend to contact the Embassy directly. We can be reached by email at SCSLondon@state.gov , or by telephone to 020 7499 9000 (24hrs). We [...]
Debit Card Fraud
Debit card fraud is a growing problem that can affect American citizens living both in the United States and abroad. In fact, the U.S. Embassy in London frequently receives reports of U.S. citizens in the United Kingdom who have been victims of debit card fraud originating in the United States.
For example, one U.S. citizen checked [...]
Social Security Number (SSN) Misuse
When Social Security was created in 1935, a nine-digit number – the Social Security number (SSN) – was devised to keep an accurate record of each person’s Social Security earnings.
There is no Federal law that imposes broad restrictions on use of the SSN by businesses, States and local governments.
Over the years, Federal and State governments [...]
I Was Contacted By A Lawyer Saying That I’ve Inherited Money. Can You Please Confirm That He’s A Real Lawyer?
Q: I was recently contacted by a lawyer saying that I’ve inherited a large sum of money. Can you please verify that he really is who he says that he is?
A: Do you know the deceased who left you this inheritance? Were you informed of this inheritance via email? What you describe [...]
