IRS issues warning about e-mail scam

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), May 1, 2004

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Internal Revenue Service on Friday warned consumers about an identity theft operation that tries to elicit personal information from taxpayers by sending e-mails alleging they're the subject of a tax investigation.

Neither the Treasury Department nor the Internal Revenue Service sends e-mails to taxpayers about issues related to their accounts.

The official-looking e-mail tells recipients they can dispute the tax fraud charge by logging onto a Web site and providing detailed personal information like Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and driver's license numbers.

Identity thieves use individuals' personal data to create false identification documents.

Taxpayers who receive suspect e-mails should call the Treasury Department toll-free fraud hot line at 1-800-366-4484, or the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.