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A recent e-mail, appearing and claiming to be from the IRS, is nothing more than a scam. Don't be a victim of this apparent identity theft scheme.


Several Rea & Associates clients have received the following e-mail from service@irs.gov:


After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity, we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $268.32. Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 2 – 3 days in order to process it. To access the form for your tax refund, please click here.


The link takes users to a fraudulent Web site that is trying to obtain information illegally. Clicking on the link will not cause harm, but filling in the information and hitting "submit" would more than likely create an opportunity for identity theft.


(A screen shot of the site has been placed below in place of a link to the site itself.)


The IRS has yet to issue an official consumer alert about this particular scam, however its Web site (irs.gov) states, "The IRS does not as for personal identifying or financial information via unsolicited e-mail.
Additionally, taxpayers do not have to complete a special form to obtain a refund."


The IRS also suggests that users refrain from opening any attachments that come with the e-mail, in case they contain malicious code that could infect your computer.


If you have questions about the validity of an e-mail, talk to your Rea & Associates advisor or call the IRS directly at 1.800.829.1040.


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Comments:

We take great care in the preparation of our articles and announcements. We also have a process of reviewing articles when major changes take place. The business, legal and tax climate is constantly changing especially when reviewed on an industry basis.

It may be very important to consult with us or your Investment Advisor before implementing ideas contained in articles and announcements. Many ideas have complexities and nuances that cannot be adequately detailed in the articles or announcements. We are not responsible for errors, misinterpretations or omissions related to these articles or announcements. Nor are we responsible for the applicability to your personal, business or tax situation.

Pursuant to Circular 230 promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service, if this email, or any attachment hereto, contains advice concerning any federal tax issue or submission, please be advised that it is not intended or written to be used, and that it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding federal tax penalties unless otherwise expressly indicated.