EASTERN N.C. — Residents across Eastern North Carolina are being warned about fraudulent letters claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service that are appearing in mailboxes and attempting to scam recipients out of money or personal information.
According to reports, the fake notices are designed to look official and may include case numbers, QR codes, deadlines, or threats intended to pressure people into taking immediate action.
Officials say legitimate correspondence from the IRS will also appear in a taxpayer’s official online IRS account and will not demand immediate payment through suspicious methods or threaten arrest over the phone or by mail.
Residents are urged not to scan QR codes, call phone numbers listed on suspicious letters, or provide sensitive financial or personal information without first verifying the notice directly through the IRS.
Anyone unsure about a letter’s legitimacy should contact the IRS using official contact information found through the agency’s verified website.
Authorities are reminding the public to stay cautious and trust their instincts when dealing with unexpected financial notices or demands.
