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"You're Eligible for a Sizeable Rebate From the IRS"
When taxpayers receive a phone call or an e-mail message like the one above, it may get their attention. But similar communications made recently were attempts by criminals to steal people's identities. To make the scams sound more authentic, thieves sometimes copy the logo of the organization they claim to represent, such as your bank or the IRS.
Staying one step ahead of criminals is not easy. But the tax agency strives to keep the public on the lookout for fraudulent messages. Here are five of the latest IRS-related scams that may come your way.
1. The Rebate Offer Over the Phone Before the ink dried on the economic stimulus package, thieves picked up on the buzz word "rebate" in the hopes of appealing to unsuspecting taxpayers. This scam starts with a call from someone identifying him or herself as an IRS representative. The "agent" tells taxpayers that in exchange for filing their returns early, the IRS will reward them with sizable rebates. However, they must provide personal bank account information so that the IRS can directly deposit the money. If the taxpayer refuses, the caller says there's no other way to qualify for the rebate.
Rest assured, no legislation has been passed that allows the IRS to call up taxpayers and offer these payments. And the IRS does not compel taxpayers to use direct deposit or even to have a bank account in order to receive money they are entitled to.
2. The Refund E-Mail
Another IRS-related scam starts with an e-mail message informing taxpayers that they have refunds coming. To collect, the taxpayers have to click on a link and enter bank information to tell the IRS where to deposit the money. To add the appearance of credibility, some messages include additional information, such as paragraphs directed to tax exempt organizations and the name of an IRS official.
The IRS reminds the public that it does not send out unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers, businesses, or tax exempt organizations, and it does not ask for detailed personal and financial information online. The only way to receive a tax refund is to file a tax return.
3. The "You're Being Audited" E-mail
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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 a 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 can use it for fraudulent purposes such as stealing from financial accounts, running up credit card charges, and applying for loans. |
This scam contains features the IRS has not seen before and is designed to grab the attention of recipients. The e-mail message states that "your tax return will be audited." It greets the taxpayer by name and asks the recipient to click on a link and provide personal identifying information.
4. "The Tax Laws Have Changed" E-Mail This message targets businesses, accountants, and "Treasury managers." It informs the recipients of tax changes they need to learn and instructs them to click on a series of links. If they click, malicious software or "malware" loads onto their computers and gives someone else remote access. In some cases, the software looks for passwords that the thief can use to steal a victim's identity. Keep in mind that legitimate IRS Web sites begin with: http://www.irs.gov/.
5. The "We Mailed You a Check" Phone Call
According to the IRS, in these cases, a person poses as a tax agent (possibly with a foreign accent) and calls to say that a check was mailed by the IRS. But the caller says, the recipient did not cash the check, therefore the tax agency must verify his or her bank account information. The IRS does not make calls asking for bank information. The only reason a taxpayer needs to supply account numbers is if he or she opts to have a check deposited directly in the bank. In that case, it is up to the taxpayer to initiate that action by providing the information. In addition, the IRS does not follow up if a person does not cash a check from Uncle Sam.
What to Do If you receive an unsolicited message that claims to be from the IRS, do not click on the links in the message. If you are in doubt and wish to access the IRS Web site, type http://www.irs.gov/ into your search engine window. You can also take these steps if you receive a suspicious message purporting to be from the IRS:
- Forward the messages to phishing@irs.gov
- Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to determine whether the IRS is trying to contact you.
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Contact our office if you receive an IRS notice and are not sure what to do. |
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