•· A common scam the IRS has reported is a taxpayer receiving an email appearing to be from the IRS requesting that the taxpayer fill out a separate form attached to the email in order to claim a refund. A separate form is never required to claim a refund. IRS refunds are based on the tax returns taxpayers file annually.
•· If you receive suspicious emails or letters appearing to be from the IRS, don't hesitate to contact us or to contact the IRS. The IRS has a department that specifically deals with identity theft issues called the Identity Protection Specialized Unit, which can be reached at 800-908-4490.
•· Suspicious emails can be forwarded to
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and the emails will be examined and acted on by the IRS information security staff.
•· Never open attachments from suspicious emails.
•· Do not follow email links included in suspicious emails. Phishing scammers are able to very closely replicate web pages to make them appear legitimate, but then modify them for their own purposes.
•· Scams can take place by fax and phone as well as email.
•· Never provide credit card numbers, social security numbers, or any other identifying information by email without verifying by telephone that requests are legitimate. Most businesses and federal organizations will not initiate contact requesting personal information of this nature.
