Are You A Non-US Resident Affiliate? Beware of the Phishing Scam!
Beware of Phishing Email Scam With Fake W-8BEN Forms.
Recently, Bluehost asked me to submit a W8-BEN form to complete the affiliate payment authorization process. This form is pretty standard and I’ve filled one up for various US-based affiliate and trading accounts in the past.
I’m writing this post so that other non-US folks will be aware of this W-8BEN scam, phishing scheme and protect yourself from identity and possibly bank theft.
The scammer probably scours websites that are owned by non-US residents that contain affiliate marketing links. The email I received a few minutes ago came from the email address “no-reply@irs.gov”. The body of the email contains:
Don’t fall for these pricks’ antics. Nobody EVER asks you for your Social Security number and bank info via email. Forward and share this post as you see fit to prevent your friends and family from getting scammed.
I posted the image of the fake and real form on my personal blog as well as why the email is bogus.
http://www.learnnichemarketing.com/w...am-450x344.gif
Are You A Non-US Resident Affiliate? Beware of the Phishing Tactic of Fake IRS W-8BEN Form Email Scam! | Learn Niche Marketing
Recently, Bluehost asked me to submit a W8-BEN form to complete the affiliate payment authorization process. This form is pretty standard and I’ve filled one up for various US-based affiliate and trading accounts in the past.
I’m writing this post so that other non-US folks will be aware of this W-8BEN scam, phishing scheme and protect yourself from identity and possibly bank theft.
The scammer probably scours websites that are owned by non-US residents that contain affiliate marketing links. The email I received a few minutes ago came from the email address “no-reply@irs.gov”. The body of the email contains:
If you received this email as well, promptly forward it to phishing@irs.gov.
“Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service.
Internal Revenue Service
Application for a not ordinary resident (non-resident) saver to receive interest without tax taken off or deducted.
Given the tighter focus on Anti-Money laundering and Terrorism financing on an International scale and to follow our requirements locally, we are currently on the Process of reviewing our clients records. This review is being undertaken to ensure that, we conform to the latest regulatory, Anti-Money laundering and client identification Requirements.
In view of the above, we therefore request that you complete the attached W-8BEN FORM and Fax same along with a copy of your international passport to 1-630-733-4423 Within 7 working days from the receipt of this letter. Also the purpose of the W-8BEN FORM is also to provide our non-ordinary savers to receive interest without tax being taken off.
If a valid and up to date completed W-8BEN FORM together with a copy of your international passport is not received from you after 7days from the day of the receipt of this letter you will be listed as undocumented, resulting in the standard rate of tax of 30% being applied on any dividend or interest income received on your investment.
What you need to do
Print out the attached notification and complete the attached W-8BEN FORM and Fax same along with a copy of your international passport to +1-630-733-4423 within 7 working days.
List of required documents:
1. A copy of filled W-8BEN FORM.
2. A photocopy of the photo page of your international passport.
………………………………………………………………………………..
Keep this notice for your records. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us on Fax Number: 1-630-733-4423″
Don’t fall for these pricks’ antics. Nobody EVER asks you for your Social Security number and bank info via email. Forward and share this post as you see fit to prevent your friends and family from getting scammed.
I posted the image of the fake and real form on my personal blog as well as why the email is bogus.
http://www.learnnichemarketing.com/w...am-450x344.gif
Are You A Non-US Resident Affiliate? Beware of the Phishing Tactic of Fake IRS W-8BEN Form Email Scam! | Learn Niche Marketing