IRS Warns Taxpayers about Scam Emails

Nola.com reported on 19th February, 2015 stating that the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) or the taxing agency of US is announcing about a new online scam which is aimed at tax payers.

The agency (IRS) said that crooks are sending fake emails or phishing emails to tax payers asking them to update their information regarding IRS e-service portal and Electronic Identification Numbers (EFINs). With these kind of information, crooks can do lot of financial damage which may enable them to file fake tax returns and collect refunds meant for someone else.

Cpapracticeadvisor.com published a statement on 19th February, 2015 quoting John Koskinen, Commissioner of IRS, as saying "I request taxpayers to be careful while clicking on unknown emails and websites. They may be scam trying to steal your personal information."

IRS says that this is known as "Phishing" which is a scam actually carried out with unsolicited email or a fake website luring potential victims to provide valuable financial and personal information. A crook can steal identity and pile up charges on credit cards and may even can file false tax returns with these information.

If you receive such unsolicited email which seems to be from either IRS or an organization closely related to the IRS like Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) in the above discussed case, then please report it by sending the same to phishing@irs.gov.

You may contact the Treasury inspector general for tax administration and visit www.treasury.gov/tigta and click on the link "IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting" on the home page. IRS advises to report about any suspected scams to the FTC by visiting ftc.gov and clicking on the link which says "Consumer Complaint".

Generally, IRS has added and strengthened the security in processing systems during this filing season to protect the taxpayers of the nation. However, IRS informs taxpayers that they are constantly progressing in stopping the identity theft and other fraudulent refunds.

It is important to remember that IRS never initiates any contact with taxpayers via email to ask financial or personal information including any type of electronic communication like text messages and via social media networks. The IRS has given online information which can help you to protect yourself from email scams.

» SPAMfighter News - 2/26/2015