Be cautious of IRS-related scamsIRS related scams have been widespread for many years. This year tax related scams are receiving additional attention with the prospect of IRS rebate checks and the proliferation of phishing scams that use the IRS name. The scammers are using personalized e-mail messages, live phone calls and the promise of advanced tax rebates, to get consumers to give out sensitive information.The BBB warns consumers to look out for the following cons:1. Rebate phone callsHow it works: The IRS reports that a new scam, similar to the refund e-mails that have circulated for years, involves phone calls from callers posing as IRS employees. These callers tell potential victims that they are eligible to receive a rebate for filing their taxes early. Phony IRS representatives ask for the consumers' bank account information, supposedly for direct deposit. Upon refusal, they will deny the rebate. "The IRS communicates by way of the U.S. Postal Service. No other contact is legitimate," said BBB South Dakota State Director, Jim David. "Tax rebates will be mailed in May and consumers will receive letters explaining the rebate, not phone calls."How it works: This more common use of the IRS name can look much more legitimate. The e-mails may use an IRS domain name and may contain the correct subject line, such as "notification from IRS". Most of the scammers include a signature logo or footer at the bottom of the e-mail such as "Copyright 2008, Internal Revenue Service U.S.A."In order to claim the refund, you are usually asked to go to a separate link where you must fill out a fake refund claim form. The form will ask for the person's Social Security number, credit card number or bank account information. "The IRS will not e-mail taxpayers their refunds," said David.3. Audit e-mailsHow it works: Another form of an e-mail scam uses a scare-tactic to gain sensitive information. An e-mail warning is sent, telling a taxpayer that their federal tax return is to be audited. Like the refund e-mail, consumers will be asked to click on a separate link to fill in personal information. 4. Check verification phone callsHow it works: Someone posing as an IRS employee calls a potential victim to let them know that the IRS mailed them a check, and that it has not been cashed. The supposed employee will then ask for personal bank account information to deposit the money.The IRS will not contact you regarding a check that was not cashed. If you are expecting a refund, use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool. To prevent becoming a victim of these scams, the BBB encourages consumers to:• Use a firewall and update your Internet security software• Visit the IRS's official Web site directly at www.irs.gov if you have a question
