Taxpayers who scrambled to meet the April 15 tax filing deadline have something else to worry about this year, an uptick in scams that prey on the unsuspecting.
Nothing appears too brazen for the con artists seeking to commit identity theft at the taxpayer's expense.
In one example, an e-mail message recently informed a reporter that a $134.80 tax refund was waiting. The e-mail, falsely claiming to have originated from the Internal Revenue Service, indicated that the taxpayer could transfer the refund to his credit or debit card by submitting personal information, including a credit card number and a Social Security number.
The IRS said such e-mails are fakes because the agency does not communicate with taxpayers through unsolicited e-mails about refunds, rebates or sensitive tax matters. The tax agency added that the purpose of the scams is to trick taxpayers into disclosing personal information that can be used to commit identity theft, empty the victim's bank accounts or run up charges on existing credit cards.
"The internet criminals know that more people are using internet and e-mail services, so they try and dupe people;' said Kevin McKeon, an IRS spokesman in New York.
Individuals have reported receiving the following e-mail:
IRS Logo -Internal Revenue Service
United States Department of the Treasury Over 130 million Americans will receive refunds as part of President Bush program to jumpstart the economy.
Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund. The fastest and easiest way to receive your refund is by direct deposit to your checking/savings account.
Please click on the link and fill out the form and submit before May 12,