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The Word From the IRS:
Beware of an Online Notice of Refund
Fishing is a favorite American pastime. But the sound-alike "phishing" is not so pleasant. In fact, if you become a victim to this fast-growing Internet crime, you could wind up in a
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Phishing: A Definition
Phishing is a form of Internet fraud in which people are tricked into giving personal and financial information. Commonly, it involves sending e-mail messages that claim to be from established enterprises. The e-mails generally ask recipients to reply quickly with confidential information for some legitimate-sounding reason (for example, the company is updating its records). Just like a fishing expedition, phishers throw out a lure and see who will take the bait.
If recipients surrender confidential information, identity thieves then use it for fraudulent purposes such as stealing from financial accounts, running up charges on credit cards, and applying for loans. |
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| world of financial pain.
The IRS is warning the public of a phishing scheme that uses its name to steal personal information. Fraudsters send out official looking e-mails, complete with an IRS logo. The messages inform recipients that they are entitled to refunds if they fill out special forms. The messages provide a link, which, if followed, asks unwary consumers to enter personal data such as Social Security numbers and credit card information. Once the phisher collects the information, it may be used to steal the consumers' identities and assets.
The tax agency recently issued a press release warning consumers not to fall prey to such scams because:
- "The IRS does not ask for personal identifying or financial information via unsolicited e-mail.
- Taxpayers do not have to complete a special form to obtain a refund."
If you receive an unsolicited e-mail that claims to be from the IRS, take these steps:
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Do not open any attachments to the e-mail, in case they contain malicious computer code that can infect your computer.
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Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to determine whether the IRS is trying to contact you about a tax refund.
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You can also contact Senior Accountant Kevin Eisenhart, CPA at our office if you receive an IRS notice and are not sure what to do. You may reach Kevin by phone at 717-757-6999 or 800-745-8233, or email him using the form below. |
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Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
IRS Circular 230 Notice: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any US tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.
Securities and advisory services offered through Geneos Wealth Management, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Geneos Wealth Management, Inc is not affiliated with Stambaugh Ness. |
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