Bank customers throughout the United States could become victims of a new fraud scheme that uses phony Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms and fake bank correspondence. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is warning banks that the fake bank letters and phony IRS forms "are being circulated nationwide in an attempt to steal your customer's identity and money by having your customer disclose personal and banking information."

The fake bank letter states:

"We are currently updating our resident, non-resident alien and citizens records. This is to enable us detect persons exempted from the United States reporting and withholding tax on interest paid to you on your bank account and other financial dealings ... you are required to complete the attached Form W-9095 and return same ..."

The bogus IRS form is titled "Application Form for Certificate Status / Ownership for Withholding Tax". The form calls for such personal details as an individual's Social Security Number, bank account number, PIN, and more.

Persons who receive such a letter and fake IRS form should NOT respond. Report the information to the IRS at 1-800-829-0433.

Anyone who DID fill in and return the fictitious form should promptly notify all financial institutions with whom they do business, and also contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, 1-800-525- 6285; Experian, 1-888-397-3742; and Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289. File a report with your local police department, and contact the IRS at the same number listed above, 1-800-829-0433.