WARNING From IRS on Email Scam

Tax season may be at an end for most taxpayers, but scammers aren’t letting up. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently warned taxpayers and tax professionals about a new IRS impersonation scam email. The email subject line may vary, but according to the IRS, recent examples use phrases like "Automatic Income Tax Reminder" or "Electronic Tax Return Reminder." The emails include links that are meant to look like the IRS website with details about the taxpayer's refund, electronic return or tax account. The emails contain a "temporary password" or "one-time password" that purports to grant access to the files. However, these are actually malicious files. Once the malware files are installed on your computer, scammers may be able to secretly download software that tracks every keystroke, giving the bad guys access to information like passwords to your financial accounts. Don’t be fooled: the IRS does not send unsolicited emails and never emails taxpayers about the status of refunds. IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig confirmed, "The IRS does not send emails about your tax refund or sensitive financial information. This latest scheme is yet another reminder that tax scams are a year-round business for thieves. We urge you to be on-guard at all times." The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. This includes requests for PIN numbers or passwords used to access your credit cards, banks, or other financial accounts. The IRS also doesn't call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The IRS will typically send a bill to a taxpayer who owes taxes.