Email IRS Scam

Email IRS Scam


A scam email, purportedly from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is currently targeting Internet users. The message informs recipients that they are eligible for a tax refund and directs them to follow a link to fill out a refund form. The email claims to be from "tax_refunds@irs.gov". However, the message is a phishing scam and does not originate from the IRS.

If recipients access the link provided in the scam, they are asked to enter sensitive personal information into a bogus web form. The scammers can collect any information entered.

The IRS has issued a warning to consumers about these phishing scam emails. Part of the warning is reproduced below:

The Internal Revenue Service today issued a consumer alert about an Internet scam in which consumers receive an e-mail informing them of a tax refund. The e-mail, which claims to be from the IRS, directs the consumer to a link that requests personal information, such as Social Security number and credit card information.

This scheme is an attempt to trick the e-mail recipients into disclosing their personal and financial data. The practice is called "phishing" for information.
The IRS does not send unsolicited emails to consumers. If you receive one of these emails, do not follow any links provided or supply any information. Do not reply to the email.

In fact, be wary of any email that asks you to provide sensitive personal information such as banking or credit card details. Legitimate government agencies or private companies are highly unlikely to request sensitive information from customers via unsolicited email. To find out more about phishing scams, click the link below:

References:
IRS Warns of e-Mail Scam about Tax Refunds

US-CERT Alert: Reports of IRS Phishing Emails