The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is warning of a new scam in which fraudsters are sending phony letters to business owners to try to trick them into turning over their accounting records.

The fraudulent letters include the Department of Revenue’s name and logo, leading the recipients of the letter to believe that they are under investigation for failing to pay Pennsylvania taxes.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Dan Hassell said on Monday’s Smart Talk the letter tells businesses they are under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Revenue and Cash Dispersements Unit — an office that doesn’t exist and are asking for all 2020 accounting records. That information could include bank account and tax return information.

The letter starts with “Dear business owner” and doesn’t include account numbers or any other identifying information.

Hassell says businesses receiving the letter should ignore it or contact the Department of Revenue through their website.

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