Unscrupulous Sites Soliciting Payment for Employer Identification Numbers Are Deceptive
Wanna Save Some Cash and Avoid Scams? Here's How to Get a Government ID for Free
Scammers love to prey on folks seeking government services, offering paid help for things you can snag for free. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm over phony websites claiming to be associated with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and charging up to $300 for filing paperwork for something called an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
But here's the catch, the EIN application can be accessed for free on the legitimate IRS website. An EIN, a corporate identifier used for filing taxes, is a requirement for anyone launching a business, setting up an estate or nonprofit, or employing household staff like a nanny.
What's Going On Here?
These fraudulent operations are pretending to be the IRS or misrepresenting their affiliation by using IRS seals, logos, and forms, using the term "EIN Assistant," or failing to disclose that they're not linked to the IRS. They also tend to omit the fact that EINs are cost-free, just trying to clean up.
But it's not just EINs where scammers are cashing in on unsuspecting consumers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has spotted online services charging people to enroll in the Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler Programs, such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. While these programs do require a fee, the application itself is available for free.
So, How Do I Get My EIN for Free?
If you need an EIN, the IRS' EIN Assistant tool is your friendly neighborhood superhero. Provide details about your business's legal structure, as well as personal information like your name, address, contact info, and Social Security number. Your EIN will be generated right away once your details are verified, and the whole process takes less than 15 minutes if you're organized.
Remember, don't fall for B.S. third-party websites or services promising to assist with EIN applications in exchange for cash. Stick to the IRS' official website to get your EIN for free.
Be A Savvy consumer:
- Never pay for an EIN. The IRS issues EINs free of charge.
- Be wary of suspicious websites and emails that look like they're from the IRS.
- Ignore unsolicited requests for personal information. The IRS will never reach out to you for sensitive information like your Social Security number or IP PIN.
- Check emails claiming to offer EINs in exchange for payment or personal info via email—red flags galore!
- Use the IRS' official EIN online application on irs.gov for a secure, free experience.
By following these guidelines, you'll secure your EIN and avoid falling for scams while keeping your personal information protected. If you think you've been ensnared in an EIN scam, report it to both the IRS and the BBB without hesitation.
- Scammers have been found creating websites claiming to be associated with the IRS, charging up to $300 for filing paperwork for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), whereas the application for this government ID is available for free on the IRS' official website.
- The IRS issues EINs free of charge, and it's essential to be cautious of suspicious websites and emails that may appear to be from the IRS. Remember, the application for an EIN should never require payment.
- Be cautious when encountering online services offering to enroll individuals in government programs like the Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler Programs for a fee, as the application itself is generally available at no cost.
- If you need an EIN, use the IRS' official EIN online application on irs.gov for a secure, free experience. By following these guidelines, you can secure your EIN and protect your personal information from scams.
