The IRS said scammers posting as tax software publishers are using the ploy of requiring verification for transmitting tax returns as a way to obtain EFIN documents

The latest scam involves a email that includes a U.S-based area code for faxing EFIN documents and provides instructions on obtaining EFIN documentation from the IRS e-Services site.

Variations of this communication utilizing different fax numbers for software vendors. Warning signs include inconsistencies in the email wording and a German footer in the email.

The IRS says the email message warns recipients that until their EFINs are verified they will be unable to transmits returns and they are asked to provide a copy of a EFIN Account Summary from IRS e-Services, with a status of ‘Completed’, to the software company for verification.