Jan

31

Phishing@IRS.GOV

Posted by cameron

January 31, 2008 |

The IRS has posted a scam warning related to the government economic stimulus rebate checks.  It seems the scammers are quicker to enact their own plans than the government is to sign the deal. The scam pretty much centers around identity theft in the guise of helping you with your rebate. Their methods are the same as those used at tax filing time:

Phony phone calls; this is a scheme where the caller identifies themselves as being from the IRS and the call is related to your rebate check. For the most part they will say they need to verify personal information so the check can be sent, or they will say the check has been sent and not cashed so they need to check your bank account information. Needless to say, the IRS never does this and even if they did you shouldn’t answer any such question.

Phishing: e-mails are the most prevalent form, it’s so easy to send out bunches of e-mails at one go. They always center on such eye catching subjects as “about your tax refund” or “your tax audit”. Invariably they will represent themselves as the IRS and “click this link to fill in a form” will be in the e-mail somewhere. The IRS doesn’t communicate in this manner. Don’t read this kind of e-mail. Better yet have your spam blocker pitch it. The latest web browsers have anti Phishing software features and reporting capability. Sounds like a plan if you can be bothered.

Most people don’t know this but the IRS has a Phishing scheme collection e-mail so you can just forward to the IRS for investigation. Forward the suspicious e-mail to phishing@irs.gov. If you think you have received a questionable phone call just e-mail that same address with information.


Comments

2 Comments so far

  1. glen conrad on April 3, 2008 3:04 pm

    i received on of these e mails informing me of a $9900 refund. the site i was directed to was irs @ online.com

  2. cameron on April 6, 2008 4:57 am

    Hi Glen. Thanks for visiting. Did you forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov?

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind

<< Post Navigation >>

« « Brands in Politics | John McCain » »