Warning! Watch Out for Alleged IRS Emails Related to Economic Stimulus Checks

The FBI is warning consumers about recent spam e-mails allegedly from the IRS regarding Economic Stimulus Checks. These emails are actually phising attempts to get your personal information. The emails are suggesting that the fastest way to obtain your check is by direct deposit and then requests you to fill in your personal information, including your bank account information.   

The FBI warning included parts of the email:

“Over 130 million Americans will receive refunds as part of President Bush’s program to jumpstart the economy. Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund. The fastest and easiest way to receive your refund is by direct deposit to your checking/savings account. Please follow the link and fill out the form and submit before May 10th, 2008 to ensure that your refund will be processed as soon as possible. Submitting your form on May 10th, 2008 or later means that your refund will be delayed due to the volume of requests we anticipate for the Economic Stimulus Refund.

To access Economic Stimulus refund, please click here.”     

Of course, if you then clicked there, it would take you to a site that may have looked like it was the IRS, but would just capture your personal information, and soon your bank account could be emptied!

Be careful of any emails allegedly from the IRS, even if they look official. The IRS does NOT send citizens emails, especial emails requesting personal information.

http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel08/irsalert050808.htm