An official-looking mailer purportedly from the “Benefit Suspensions Unit Napa County,” an entity which does not exist, has been sent to Napa County Residents. It is titled, “Notice of Intent to Levy Social Security Benefits.” The mailer states that the recipient has an outstanding tax lien, which will lead to a default judgment. The mailer threatens that tax authorities will seize the recipient’s Social Security benefits and tax refunds, as well as garnishing their wages. The recipient is directed to call a 1-800 number to discuss the alleged lien.
This mailer is a scam. There is no “Benefits Suspensions Unit” in Napa County, the IRS, or any other governmental agency. The IRS provides helpful information about this scam on its website. It’s important to remember that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Recipients of these mailers are encouraged to report them to the IRS.