As demand for ITINs grows among Bangladeshi freelancers and entrepreneurs, scammers are increasingly impersonating IRS Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs). This guide explains the red flags of ITIN scams and how to verify you're working with a legitimate service.
Common ITIN Scams Targeting Bangladeshis
Scammers target Bangladeshi freelancers through Facebook groups, WhatsApp, and Telegram with offers of ITINs at unusually low prices or with unrealistic promises (ITIN in '2–3 weeks', or a 'guaranteed' ITIN without documents). Common scam types:
- Fake ITIN numbers: Providing made-up 9-digit numbers that are not real ITINs issued by the IRS
- Upfront payment with no delivery: Collecting payment and disappearing
- Document theft: Requesting passport photos and NID copies for identity theft, not for ITIN applications
- Unauthorized agents: Claiming to be IRS-authorized without actual CAA certification
How to Verify a Real IRS Certified Acceptance Agent
Legitimate CAAs are authorized by the IRS. To verify:
- Ask for the CAA's ITIN application acceptance agent number — real CAAs have one on file with the IRS
- Check the IRS website's CAA directory (search 'IRS Acceptance Agent' on irs.gov)
- Verify the business has a real US presence — real CAAs like ITIN Plus have a US phone number and business email, not just a WhatsApp number
- Look for transparent pricing (ITIN Plus charges $99 — be suspicious of services charging $25 or $500+)
Red Flags of ITIN Scams
Be very careful if you see:
- Promises of ITIN approval in 2–3 weeks (impossible — IRS takes 8–14 weeks)
- Requests to send cash, mobile banking (bKash/Nagad), or cryptocurrency before providing any documentation
- No clear refund policy or service agreement
- Anonymous agents with no verifiable business identity
- ITINs delivered immediately after payment (real ITINs are mailed by the IRS, not instantly provided)
ITIN Plus: A Legitimate CAA Service
ITIN Plus is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. We charge $99 — no hidden fees. We provide a service agreement before you pay. Our contact information is public: apply@itinplus.com and +1 (305) 216-6992. We never guarantee ITIN approval in less than 8 weeks because that is simply how long the IRS takes. If you have doubts, ask us for our CAA documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an ITIN agent is legitimate?
Ask for their IRS Certification (CAA number). Verify them on the IRS acceptance agent directory. Check that they have a real US business address, phone number, and email. Legitimate agents like ITIN Plus have transparent pricing, a service agreement, and a realistic 8–14 week processing timeline.
What is a reasonable price for ITIN service?
Legitimate ITIN services typically charge $99–$200 for the complete application process. Be suspicious of services charging under $50 (likely scams) or over $400 (overcharging). ITIN Plus charges $99 flat.
Can a scammer create a fake ITIN?
Yes. Scammers sometimes provide fake 9-digit numbers that look like ITINs but are not valid IRS-issued ITINs. You can verify an ITIN by attempting to use it on a US tax form — the IRS will reject fake numbers. Always work with a verified CAA.
What should I do if I've been scammed?
Report the scam to the IRS Tax Fraud Hotline (1-800-829-0433), your local Bangladesh cybercrime authority, and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3 at ic3.gov). Contact ITIN Plus to apply legitimately and get a real ITIN.
Is ITIN Plus a legitimate IRS Certified Acceptance Agent?
Yes. ITIN Plus is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. We charge $99, provide a written service agreement, and have a US business phone (+1 305-216-6992) and email (apply@itinplus.com). We never promise instant ITINs — the IRS processing takes 8–14 weeks.