It’s tax season, watch out for scams

For the past few months, the Internal Revenue Service has been warning of scams, seemingly one after another. Now, with rebate bonus checks due out in a couple of months, the scammers have taken the opportunity to perpetuate even more fraud.

How It Works

You get a call or e-mail supposedly from the IRS, and you’ll be told that you’re eligible for an advance rebate check — IF you give them your Social Security number. They also ask for bank account numbers, so the check can be direct deposited into your account.

Variations include an e-mail with links you’re asked to click, which takes you to a fake IRS page where you enter your personal information.

Other IRS scams have the same goal (getting you to disclose your information), but use different methods:

•E-mail that threatens an audit or criminal investigation: That’s sure to get your attention, especially if the e-mail contains your real name, as some of them have.

•”Where’s My Refund?” e-mail: Directs victims to a fake IRS page and asks for credit-card number and Social Security number.

•Uncashed check phone call: The victim is called, supposedly by the IRS, and told that a check the IRS sent has not been cashed. The victim is asked to give account information so it can be traced.

•Tax-law change email: These are usually directed to businesses or those who need tax-law information. The problem here is that when you click on the link, it downloads malware (a virus) onto your computer that allows the scammers to directly access your computer.

•Other scams: These include getting paid to do an IRS customer satisfaction survey or making a donation to charitable causes.

Remember: The IRS doesn’t send out e-mails asking for Social Security numbers, credit-card numbers, PINs or any other information. If you get one of these e-mails, roll the mouse over the link and see what URL shows up. The IRS e-mail address is www.irs.gov. If you do want to visit the IRS Website, type in the address, rather than clicking any link.

To report an e-mail scam, go to the IRS Web site, put “suspicious e-mail” in the Search box, and follow the instructions for sending the e-mail, or call 1-800-829-1040.