Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Tax Review Enrollment Office Scam
Tax Review Enrollment Office Scam

The term "Tax Review Enrollment Office" (or variations like "Tax Review Unit") is a tax relief scam or aggressive lead-generation tactic. These entities often impersonate government agencies to trick you into sharing sensitive personal information or paying high fees for non-existent "relief programs".

How the Scam Works

  • Urgent Voicemails & Calls: Scammers leave messages claiming that you have "unresolved back taxes" or have made a mistake in your filing, needing immediate attention to avoid penalties.
  • Official-Sounding Names: They use fake, official-sounding names like "Tax Resolution and Relief Agency" or "Account Assistance Division".
  • High-Pressure Tactics: They create a sense of urgency, often stating it is the "last attempt to reach you" to force a quick decision.
  • Phishing for Data/Money: The goal is to obtain your SSN, banking information, or convince you to pay a fee via gift cards or wire transfers to "settle" the fake debt.

Red Flags

  • Unsolicited Contact: The IRS does not initiate contact via email, text, or social media to discuss tax debts.
  • Threats of Arrest: Scammers often threaten you with police arrest or immediate legal action if you do not pay immediately.
  • Payment Methods: Genuine government agencies will never demand payment via gift cards, pre-paid debit cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • Calls from "Unknown" Entities: The IRS does not hire private companies to call you regarding tax debts without first sending a formal letter.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang Up & Verify: If you get a call, hang up. If you are worried, contact the IRS directly at IRS.gov to verify any tax issues.
  • Do Not Click Links: Do not click on links in texts or emails claiming to be from the "tax review office" or "IRS." These are often phishing scams designed to steal data.
  • Report the Scam: Report any IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
waiting