Scam Alert

It's that time of year again when crooks will try to gain your trust in order to access private information through an email that looks like it's from the IRS. NEVER EVER give out your private information through email. EVER. Also, never open attachments if you aren't 100% sure you know who sent it. Attachments can contain viruses or spyware.

The following is an example of a common email scam circulating the Internet.

-----Original Message-----
From: Internal Revenue Service [mailto:stim@vodafone.net]
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 10:21 AM
Subject: [PMX:#] Submit your Economic Stimulus Payment form [ID: SP-251.9475]

After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a Stimulus Payment. Please submit the Stimulus Payment form in order to process it. A Stimulus Payment can be delayed for a variety of reasons. For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline.

To submit your Stimulus Payment form, please download the attached document.

Note: If filing or preparation fees were deducted from your 2007 Refund or you received a refund anticipation loan, you will be receiving a check instead of a direct deposit.

Regards,
Internal Revenue Service

CLICK HERE for more information on scams related to income taxes and the IRS.