I.R.S. Identifies New Internet Phishing Scam

Oakland, CA — I.R.S. Spokesman Jesse Weller is warning of a new internet "phishing" scam that is sweeping the country.

The e-mail reads as follows; After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a Stimulus Payment. Please submit the Stimulus Payment form in order to process it. A Stimulus Payment can be delayed for a variety of reasons. For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline. To submit your Stimulus Payment form, please download the attached document. Note: If filing or preparation fees were deducted from your 2007 refund or you received a refund anticipation loan, you will be receiving a check instead of a direct deposit. Regards, Internal Revenue Service

Weller adds that you should take the following steps. Do NOT open the attachment. A Trojan horse could be downloaded. Secondly forward the e-mail to phishing@irs.gov. The I.R.S. has received almost 33,000 forwarded scam e-mails reflecting more than a thousand different incidents.

Weller says the I.R.S. will never seek any private information through an e-mail. If by chance you have been victimized by a tax scam contact the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484.

Click Internal Revenue Service for additional information.

Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com