To make tax time even more stressful, some scammers have devised an email trying to solicit personal information by masquerading as the IRS. Below is a copy of the email message.
One tip is that the link [http://0x7C.0x3.0x3A.0x85/www.irs.gov/taxrefund.php] does not go to the IRS web site. The bolded text indicates that this link is actually going to a non-affiliated IRS server.
Another tip is to verify that the site is encrypted by looking for https:// in the address bar. Also, a padlock icon in the lower corner of your browser should be in the “locked” position before volunteering personal information.
When in doubt, give the institution a call.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [mailto:taxrefund@456.irs.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 7:25 AM
Subject: Tax Notification
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
United States Department of the Treasury
Dear Taxpayer,
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal
activity we have determined that you are eligible
to receive a tax refund of $184.80.
Please submit the tax refund request and allow us
6-9 days in order to process it.
A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons.
For example submitting invalid records or applying
after the deadline.
To access the form for your tax refund, use the following personalized link:
http://0x7C.0x3.0x3A.0x85/www.irs.gov/taxrefund.php
Regards,
Internal Revenue Service
Document Reference: (0x7C.0x3.0x3A.0x85).
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