The IRS has issued a warning regarding a phishing email scam. The scam
claims you are due a tax refund, but is really designed to obtain your
personal information.
Tax Refund Email Scam
Phishing scams are designed to swindle you into providing private
information that can be used to your detriment. This information
typically includes things like credit card numbers, social security
numbers, bank accounts and so on. This information is then used to open
financial accounts in your name, a process otherwise known as identity
theft. Frankly, it is a nightmare you do not want to be a part of.
The IRS is warning people about a tax refund email scam, which works
like this. You receive an email purportedly from the IRS indicating you
are due a tax refund. You are directed to click a link to visit an
“IRS” page. On the page, you are asked to provide your social security
number, etc., so your account can be accessed. This email is fraudulent
and designed solely for identity theft.
IRS Does Not Use Email
The IRS does not use email to contact taxpayers. It certainly doesn’t
use it tell you about tax refunds. The IRS only communicates with
taxpayers through the mail or by telephone. Do not fall for this scam!
Are You Owed A Refund?
But what if you really are owed a tax refund? Well, the IRS is
certainly not going to contact you by email to tell you. Think about
it. The IRS doesn’t HAVE your email address, so how would it send you a
message?
If you think you may be owed a tax refund, the best option is to pick
up the phone and contact the IRS. You can reach the agency by calling
1-800-829-1040.
Whatever you do, never respond to an email from the Internal Revenue Service because they are fake. Don’t get suckered!
