Tax Refund Identity Theft Scam Hits Email

Along with some happiness and frustration, the tax rebates spawned a larger than normal number of tax-related scams, including a particularly dangerous identity theft email scheme disguised as a surprise tax refund from the IRS. The text of one of these danger-packed email reads as follows:

From: Internal Revenue Service
Subject: Tax Refund : $252.60
Importance: High

Dear Applicant:
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax refund value is $252.60.Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 3-6 days in order to IWP the data received.

-If you distribute funds to other organization, your records must show whether they are exempt under section 497 (c) (15). In cases where the recipient org. is not exempt under section 497 (c) (15), you must have evidence the funds will be used for section 497 (c) (15) purposes.

-If you distribute fund to individuals, you should keep case histories showing the recipient's name and address; the purpose of the award; the manner of section; and the relationship of the recipient to any of your officers, directors, trustees, members, or major contributors.

To access the form for your tax refund, please click here (or please copy/paste the link below in your browser) : (Link to the scammer's web page -- Do Not Click It!)

This notification has been sent by the Internal Revenue Service, a bureau of the Department of the Treasury.

Of course, the email was not sent by the IRS. The web link takes the victim to a web page that appears to be -- but is not -- an official IRS web page. The web page contains a form where the victim is prompted for the last four digits of his or her Social Security number, credit or debit card number, card security code and the account's PIN number. Yes, everything needed to rob you blind.

There may be more than one version of this scam email out there, but the version above is typical, and has been widely mailed.

Remember, the IRS will never contact any taxpayer by email or telephone, unless previously authorized by that taxpayer. In other words, you will never get an email or phone call from the IRS "out of the blue." Be careful out there.

Also See: How the IRS Could Improve Future Tax Rebates