False IRS Document Scam--"W-4100B2"

There is an online scam involving IRS documents targeted at international students and scholars. You may have or could receive an email, allegedly from the IRS, using a falsified "nonereply@irs.gov" email address.

The email will indicate that the recipient is a nonresident alien and how paperwork should be filed to avoid tax withholding on any personal savings accounts. The message will indicate that you should complete the Form W-4100B2 and/or a Form W-4100B2A2 and fax it within the week to a 212 area code fax number (another variation uses a 646 area code).

Some of the messages are "signed" by a "Laura Stevens, IRS Public Relations." Of course, the Form requested required students to to report their full name, address, SSN, etc--a perfect identity theft opportunity.

For the record: There is no Form W-4100B2. If you receive such an inquiry by email, please simply delete this message.