Warning by IRS Regarding e-mail Scam.
The Internal Revenue Service wants to help you, it is currently warning taxpayers of a new scam to “phish” vital personal information from unsuspecting targets.
Here is how it is done, the perpetrators are sending e-mails to consumers claiming to be the IRS and directing them to an Internet link that asks for Social Security numbers and credit card information.
The IRS does not ask for personal identifying or financial information by using unsolicited e-mails and taxpayers do not have to complete a special form to obtain a refund.
This e-mail scheme is an attempt to trick the recipients. You are being advised to not respond.
The information they are able to fraudulently obtain will likely be used to steal the taxpayer’s identity and financial assets. It can also be used to run up charges on existing credit cards, apply for new loans and credit cards or file fraudulent tax returns.
If you suspect you are receiving an unauthorized e-mail from the IRS, do not open any attachments to the e-mail, they may contain malicious codes that will infect your computer. Contact your local police to report this crime. Call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 to determine whether the IRS is trying to contact you about a refund.
This may be linked to the recent IRS report that more than 4,100 people around Los Angeles County are owed more than $3.7 million in 2004 refunds that can’t be delivered.
People with unclaimed refunds can check the “Where’s My Refund?” link to see if they have money coming to them. You can also go to CashUnclaimed.com to check tax refunds and also unclaimed property or money.
