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IRS Scams to Avoid
What you need to know
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| March 26, 2008
It's never too late to fall for another scam. Here's a new one, based
on an older scam -- but with a couple of variations.
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- You get an email, supposedly from the Internal Revenue Service.
It looks official, and includes a link to help you claim your
refund. If you click the link, you may be provided with a "helpful"
form that prompts you for personal information such as your bank
account and social security number.
- You get an email, supposedly from the Internal Revenue Service.
It may refer to you by name, and includes a link to allow you to
complete a form by entering personal information such as your social
security number.
- You get a phone call from someone posing as an IRS
representative, offering you a rebate for early filing of your tax
return. To receive your rebate, you must supply personal
information such as your bank account number "for direct deposit;"
if you refuse to supply this information, the caller denies the
rebate.
- You get a phone call from someone posing as an IRS
representative, telling you that your rebate check has not been
cashed and asking you for personal information such as your bank
account number.
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RULE 1: DO NOT RESPOND
TO THESE FAKE EMAILS. Simply clicking a link can expose you to
malware that can record your keystrokes or search your computer to
gather personal information -- and by filling out the forms you have
given the scammers an early Christmas present.
RULE 2: HANG UP ON CALLS INITIATED BY FAKE IRS
AGENTS. Emphasis on the word "initiated" -- these are not
follow-up calls concerning ongoing matters, they are "cold calls." Do
not be polite -- hang up. Do not argue -- hang up. This type of scammer
is very good at squeezing you for information; that's how they make
their living. The longer you talk, the longer you are at risk.
RULE 3: THE IRS WILL ONLY INITIATE CONTACT BY U.S.
MAIL. They do not initiate contact by phone or email.
Click here to report phishing to
the IRS.
Click here to determine the status of your refund.
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