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The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a scam alert warning businesses not to respond to letters claiming to be from the SBA and requesting bank account information in order to qualify for federal tax rebates.
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Fraudulent letters were sent out with what appears to be an SBA letterhead to small businesses nationwide, the agency said, advising recipients they may be eligible for a tax rebate under the Economic Stimulus Act and that the SBA is assessing their eligibility. The letter asks the recipient to provide the name of his or her bank and account number.
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The SBA said these letters have not been sent or authorized by the agency and it is advising recipients not to respond.
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The scheme is similar to e-mail scams often referred to as “phishing,” in which the sender tries to obtain personal data and financial information to gain entry into someone”™s bank accounts or to engage in identity theft.
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The SBA is working with the SBA Office of Inspector General to investigate the matter. Anyone who receives such a letter is being asked to report it to the OIG Fraud Line at 1 (800) 767-0385, or via e-mail at OIGHotline@sba.gov.
