The IRS is warning taxpayers of a new telephone identity theft scam that uses the Tax Rebate checks as the bait.

In this scam, the caller identifies himself as an employee of the IRS or the Treasury Department. The caller then tells the victim that he is eligible for a large rebate check for filing a 2007 tax return as early as possible. The catch is, the caller must have the victim's bank account information so that the rebate check can be directly deposited by the IRS. If the victim refuses, he is told he cannot receive the rebate.

If you get this call -- hang up! All you need to do to get the 2008 Tax Rebate check is file a tax return. If you qualify for a rebate check, the IRS will mail it to you.

More Tax Rebate Resources
Tax Rebate Information Directory
IRS Publishes 2008 Tax Rebate Check Details
IRS Launches Tax Rebate Information Center
Will I Have to Pay Taxes On My Rebate?
To Get $300 Rebate, Kids Must Have SS Number
SSI and the Tax Rebate Checks
What if I Filed Before the Tax Rebate was Approved?
Tax Rebate Checks Become Scammer's "Bait"