Beware of Phony IRS Phishing Email
BBB warns taxpayers of a phony ‘phishing’ email circulating the country disguised as a notice from the Internal Revenue Service offering a tax refund.
The email appears legitimate as it contains the IRS name and logo and a copyright service mark at the bottom. It goes on to state “After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $249.30.” The refund amount varies from email to email. The notice also includes an orange highlighted section which gives the recipient a false impression of urgency stating “Please Note: If we do not receive the appropriate records within 48 hours, then we will assume this email is invalid and the refund will be suspended.” The email contains a link that resembles an IRS URL which directs the reader to a webpage titled “Get Your Tax Refund!” that copies the appearance of the genuine “Where’s My Refund” interactive page on the actual IRS website. The phony web page asks taxpayers for their credit card account numbers instead of the exact amount of refund as shown on their tax return, as the real “Where’s My Refund?” page does.
BBB advises consumers that the IRS never sends emails advising of refunds or requesting financial information. If you believe you are due a tax refund from the IRS you should contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov <http://www.irs.gov/> .
Phishing (as in “fishing for information” and “hooking” victims) is a scam where Internet fraudsters send e-mail messages to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal and financial information that can be used to steal the victims’ identity. Consumers should be leary when responding to emails requesting personal information. Identity thieves are using the internet more and more as a means to gain access to consumer’s bank accounts, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.
The good news is that you can help shut down these schemes and prevent others from being victimized. If you receive a suspicious e-mail requesting personal information contact the Better Business Bureau immediately and report the information you received. You can also notify the agency (such as the IRS) whose identity was also stolen to trick you into sharing your personal information.
