14 DAY TRIAL // In case you receive emails entitled “Invalid File Email Reminder” that appear to come from the IRS, be cautious since they’re likely part of a scam designed to spread malware.
Both Hoax Slayer and Dynamoo’s Blog have published reports regarding this new campaign. There are at least two variants of the fake IRS emails.
In both cases, the scam notifications contain links that lead to malware-serving websites. Users are advised to check for signs of a scam before clicking on any links or opening files attached to such emails.
The signs of a scam include typos, poor English, and links to domains that don’t have anything to do with the IRS.
Here’s what the emails read. Note that the two variants spotted so far by experts are fairly similar.
Variant 1. “Valued Transmitter,
We few weeks agoreceived your electronic file(s) of information returns; but, the file(s) contained errors. As of the date of this email, we have not received a good replacement file. If we do not receive the replacement file within the allowed time from your transmission, late filing payoff may be applied.
For further clarification on sending a timely filed replacement, please see Publication 1220, Part B, Section 7.03. The following is a list of your incorrect file(s) that need to be replaced.”
Variant 2. “Valued Transmitter,
We received your electronic file(s) of information returns; but, the file(s) contained errors. As of the date of this email, we have not received a good replacement file. If we do not receive the replacement file within the accentuated time from your transmission, late filing penalty may be applied.
For further clarification on sending a timely filed replacement, please see Publication 1220, Part B, Section 5.01. The following is a list of your bad file(s) that need to be replaced.”