Be caution of IRS E-Mail Scam

The IRS claimed that some phishing mails are sent from the addresses of IRS.GOV and are pretending to be collaborators of the government, as reported by my FOX ON May 5, 2008,

Mails regarding the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund are roaming on the net and are pretending to come from the IRS asking the users to click on an attached link to fill the form, which enable their payment to be deposited directly in bank.

According to Raphael Tulino of the IRS, these mails are distributed on annually and direct the users to divulge their financial and private information so that they can get government refunds and stimulus payments, as reported by NBCSandeigo on May 6, 2008.

Raphael also said that users should not, in any case, reveal their financial or private data without speaking to any government official.

These mails often appear with logos of IRS like "To get the form for tax refund, just click here". If the user clicks the link, his/her private data will be at risk. Doug Shulman, IRS Commissioner, said that it has become a rapid problem as complains are coming from every where around the country, as reported by abc4 on May 2, 2008.

Doug recommends that ignore any thing or anybody asking for your private data promising that he would make the rebate or refund fast. Usually, these mails are linked to a Web page that is directed towards an overseas account.

Recently, a user got a mail from the address of no-reply@irs.gov that directed her to deposit her bank account number, so that she could receive the stimulus payment. Apparently, the mail also warned that she would receive a delayed payment, if she fails to follow the instructions.

The IRS recommends the users not to reply any such mails, and said that they do not contact anyone through email. The officials also suggested that if a user gets mails similar to the one described, then they should complain about the mail and block the sender.

Also, the IRS warns the users about not opening the mail as it can install a virus in the system. They said that the user should forward the mail to phishing@irs.gov, so that it can be examined.

Related article: BOA Concerned about Safety of Team Data

» SPAMfighter News - 5/9/2008