Social Media Scam Targets Maryland Taxpayers

MARYLAND — Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is warning Marylanders of a social media scam that tells residents they can "receive a large sum of money" for a fee.

Cyber thieves contact citizens on social media and tell them they can access the money for a fee, Franchot announced Wednesday.

The scammers use an official-looking “Certificate of Completion,” fraudulently marked with the Comptroller of Maryland and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) logos.

“Cyber thieves will go to any length to get taxpayers’ money, identity or financial information,” Franchot said in a statement. “This new scam is just the latest in a long line. As we investigate these cases, I want to warn everyone not to fall victim to unknown contacts who make promises that seem too good to be true."

"My office would never use social media to contact a taxpayer about a tax matter or financial issue," Franchot said. "If you are contacted in this way, don’t reply, be cautious and notify my agency’s FED officers immediately."

The Comptroller’s Office warns taxpayers to not reply to messages or emails requesting money or confidential information like your Social Security number, birth date, salary information or home address.

If you receive a suspicious message or email, please call 1-800-MD-TAXES or email mdcomptroller@comp.state.md.us.

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