| Whenever you become aware of a tax fraud, report | | | | 2. If you get an e-mail saying you might get a tax |
| it to the IRS. Why is it so important? For about two | | | | refund, think twice. Even if you see a very convincing |
| years IRS scams have been inundating the internet. | | | | logo and signature, even if they contain "IRS" both in |
| Now, straight after the new tax rebate legislation was | | | | subject and "From" lines, always remember that the |
| passed by Congress, new IRS tax scams appeared. | | | | IRS never sends unsolicited mail to consumers. You |
| By means of unsolicited calls and e-mails from the IRS, | | | | might get an e-mail from real IRS in case you mailed |
| phishers tried to steal confidential information from | | | | them first, asking for something, never does it make |
| consumers. | | | | the first move. Using a firewall and anti-spyware |
| Such identity theft schemes have been taking place | | | | software is highly recommended in such cases, though |
| since 2006 and most of the tricks are already known | | | | sometimes nothing can stop scammers from their |
| to us: | | | | destructive actions. Never click on links in such e-mails |
| - personalized e-mail salutations, | | | | (a single click may download malware to your |
| - live phone calls. | | | | computer), never type in personal information into the |
| The ways to cheat the regular Joe are both traditional | | | | fields on the site that looks so similar to a legitimate |
| and recent: | | | | site (watch out for "|-" symbols phishers use). |
| | | | 3. If you get an e-mail promising to provide you with |
| 1. Rebate phone calls, | | | | money-saving tax tips while your federal tax return will |
| 2. Tax refund e-mails, | | | | be audited, mind that the IRS does not send out |
| 3. Audit e-mails, | | | | unsolicited e-mails or phone taxpayers. |
| 4. Check verification phone calls. | | | | 4. If someone calls you and says he is an IRS |
| 1. When you get a phone call from an unknown person | | | | employee and you have not cashed a check the IRS |
| and hear that you are eligible to a tax rebate for filing | | | | mailed you, don't believe. Never give anyone on the |
| your taxes early, please hang up. Bear it in mind that | | | | phone your account information. If you expect a |
| the IRS communicates with taxpayers via regular U.S. | | | | refund, use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool at |
| Postal Service in the form of letters (yes, snail mail!), | | | | the official IRS website. |
| never does it send them e-mails nor does it make | | | | While the IRS may contact us through regular U.S. Mail, |
| personal phone calls. At any rate, the IRS would never | | | | you may feel free to report tax fraud to IRS in case |
| call a taxpayer to ask his or her bank account or | | | | you get suspicious unsolicited phone calls and e-mails |
| credit card number. In case you choose to have your | | | | from the IRS to its official mail. You are also advised to |
| money direct deposited to your account, don't forget | | | | go directly to the IRS's official Web site in case you |
| to mention your account information on your tax return. | | | | are in need of tax information. |