Greg's Corner

Fake IRS Letters Target Military Families

By Greg Collier

Military families in metro Atlanta are being warned about a tax-related scam that appears to target the loved ones of active-duty service members deployed overseas. The scheme involves fraudulent letters claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. These letters demand payment for supposed back taxes and threaten the loss of property if the amount is not paid.

The letters look official and often arrive via certified mail, which adds to their deceptive appearance. Families, already under emotional stress while their loved ones are deployed, may feel pressured to act quickly without verifying the source. This creates an ideal environment for scammers who rely on fear and confusion to extract money or personal information.

Some families have reported difficulty confirming whether the tax debt is legitimate, especially with the added complication of time zone differences and limited communication during deployment. In at least one case, repeated calls to the IRS were required to confirm that no taxes were owed. Such scams can create unnecessary financial anxiety and emotional stress for those trying to support deployed relatives from afar.

Organizations that monitor scams affecting military personnel say these individuals are often more vulnerable due to the nature of their service. Deployed members may not have regular access to email or financial accounts, and physical mail may go unchecked for long periods. This makes it easier for fraudulent claims to go unnoticed or unchallenged until significant damage is done.

The most common types of scams targeting this group are impostor scams and identity theft. Fraudsters often pose as government agencies or financial institutions to gain trust and pressure victims into taking immediate action. Military families are encouraged to be skeptical of unsolicited communications demanding money and to verify all claims directly through official government channels.

To confirm whether a tax debt is legitimate, individuals can check directly with the IRS by using the official IRS website or by calling the phone number listed on IRS.gov. The agency does not demand immediate payment using methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and it typically initiates contact through prior notices before escalating collection efforts.

It may also be helpful for families to be aware of protections available under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This law provides financial and legal safeguards to active-duty service members, including protections against certain debt collection actions. Understanding these rights can be an important step in identifying and resisting fraudulent threats.

As scams continue to evolve, staying informed remains a critical line of defense. Families should consider placing fraud alerts on financial accounts and monitoring credit activity, especially during periods of deployment. Prompt reporting of suspicious activity to the proper authorities can also help prevent further harm and assist in identifying patterns that lead to enforcement action.