CONSUMER SAFETY TIP

Special Advisory:IRS SCAMS
 

The tax season is upon us. Several scams have turned up involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A current telephone scam involves the consumer (victim) receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. The caller (criminal) tells the consumer that he/she will be rewarded with a sizeable rebate for early tax return filing.  The caller then asks the consumer for his/her personal account information so the rebate monies can be automatically deposited. If the consumer refuses to provide this information, the caller states that the consumer will not be eligible to receive the rebate.

Other IRS scams involve email. The consumer receives an official-looking email claiming to be from the IRS which contains an attachment. The consumer is  directed to download the attachment to either properly file their taxes or due to a recent IRS tax audit. By downloading the attachment, the consumer avails his/her computer to spyware which can steal passwords and personal information.

Consumers need to be aware that the IRS would never use these types of methods to conduct their business. Please be very careful and do not fall subject to any of these scams through the mail, emails, or phone calls. Criminals are very good at identifying themselves as well known, reputable companies, and requesting personal information. If you do not initiate the call or email, then don’t give out personal information. Consumer education is the best way to protect yourself, your family, friends, and neighbors.

These scams are becoming more and more prevalent each year. For more information on these and other IRS scams, contact the IRS website www.irs.gov. Consumers who have received fraudulent IRS Emails may forward them to phishing@irs.gov.

This consumer safety tip advisory is passed along to you by Dixon Foster, Security Officer at Bank of Lancaster.