Tax season is stressful enough but this year could become much more stressful for anyone who falls for the latest financial email scam.
The email that appears to be from the Internal Revenue Service is a "scam all the way," according to Dave Stewart a Media Relations Specialist with the IRS.
The scam email makes it appear that the recipient is eligible for a stimulus check if they fill out a form that asks for personal information.
This is the email exactly as it was received from an NBC Philadelphia staffer on Thursday:
From: Internal Revenue Service [mailto: stimulus@vodafone.net]
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 12:41 p.m.
Subject: Please submit your Stimulus Payment form
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 Online 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 document attached to your email.
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
The email reads legit enough but there are a few clues that show it to be a scam.
- As of now there are no planned taxpayer stimulus check plan in place.
- stimulus@vodafone.net is anything but a government email address.
- The email doesn't send you to any Web page but rather has you fill out a form.
The IRS isn't in the business of emailing taxpayers so if you get any emails like this check it out with your local IRS office before giving away any personal information.
