Jan 23, 2008 6:26 pm US/Central
Phony IRS E-Mail Scam Moving Across North Texas
WEATHERFORD (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Tax time is fast approaching and cyber crooks are already taking advantage of the season. An e-mail scam is making the rounds in North Texas, luring people in by telling them they're owed money from the Internal Revenue Service.
The Weatherford Police Department has received several complaints about an e-mail claiming to be from the IRS. It tells the recipient they are eligible for $152 refund. The e-mail claims the refund stems from contributions given to non-profit organizations.
According to detectives the entire e-mail is bogus and yet another example of how crooks try to steal someone's identity.
"No legitimate business or government agency is going to contact you via e-mail and ask you for your personal information," said Det. Wendy Field with the Weatherford Police Department. "If you do receive one of these [e-mails] and you are in doubt you can contact your local law enforcement agency or you can contact that business specifically, by a phone number that you obtain yourself."
With tax season right around the corner detectives say you can anticipate seeing more e-mail scams that prey on taxpayers.
If you receive an e-mail which asks for personal information, call your police department.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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