IRS Warns of CA Wildfire Email Scam

Imagine the IRS collecting contributions of money TO taxpayers. Out there, isn't it? But that's the premise of a recent email scam disguised as a solicitation from the IRS on behalf of the U.S. government asking for money to be given to victims of the Southern California wildfires.

The IRS warns that the sophisticated email scam includes quotes from an actual speech about the fires by a California legislator.

The bogus email directs the recipient to a very believable -- but fake -- IRS Web site featuring a donation form requesting the recipient's personal financial information. Clearly, says the IRS, a "phishing" scheme leading to identity theft and potential financial heartache.

In addition, the IRS suspects that clicking certain links on the fake IRS Web site will download "malware" to the recipients computer. The malware is designed to find passwords and bank account information stored on the victims computer and send them to the scammers.

As the IRS says, "The IRS does not send emails soliciting charitable donations." In fact, the IRS never sends un-solicited emails to anyone and never asks for personal financial information via email.

Also See:
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
'Phishing' for Your Identity -- Watch Out!
IRS Warns of Slavery Reparation Tax Scam (2002)