With tax season upon us, and tax day – April 15th – just around the corner, the phishers are in full swing, sending out phony phishing emails which look like they come from the IRS, and which include a link that takes you to a very authentic looking “IRS” website, where you are asked to enter your social security number to access your account. Of course, it’s not really an IRS website at all.
For example:
“You filed your tax return and you’re expecting a refund. You have just one question and you want the answer now. Where’s My Refund? Access this secure Web site to find out…”
Often, as above (but not always), the phishing email will invoke something to do with electronic filing, the phishers figuring that if you filed electronically, you may be more likely to believe that the IRS will contact you electronically.
They won’t.
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According to Richard Morgante, a commissioner with the IRS, “The IRS does not communicate with taxpayers electronically.” Morgante added that if you get email that appears to be from the IRS, and are in doubt, you can always call their toll-free number to find out what’s up. That number is 800-829-1040.
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