Rebate scammers already on the prowl

Lawmakers are still squabbling over the economy-boosting tax rebate checks, but con artists aren’t wasting any time.

The IRS has already received reports of identity thieves using rebate promises to try to trick people into
revealing financial and personal data.

The latest tax scams, which you can be sure will continue throughout this filing season, include:

Rebate phone call
At least one scheme is using the word "rebate" as part of the lure. Individuals get a phone call from someone identifying himself as an IRS employee. The caller then tells the targeted victim that he is eligible for a sizable rebate for filing his taxes early … wait for it … as long as the victim hands over his bank account information for the direct deposit of the rebate. Refusal to do so, warns the crook, means the individual won’t get the rebate.

Refund e-mails
The IRS has seen several variations of a refund-related bogus e-mail. The message falsely claims to come from the IRS, informing the recipient that he or she is eligible for a tax refund for a specific amount and instructing the recipient to click on a link to access a refund claim form. Once at the form, the individual is told to enter personal information that the scammers can then use to access bank or credit card accounts.

The IRS says there’s also a slight twist to this scam. A couple of paragraphs appear to be directed toward tax-exempt organizations that distribute funds to other organizations or individuals. The e-mail contains the name and supposed signature of the Director of the IRS’ Exempt Organizations business division.

Audit e-mail
Another new scam uses our natural fear of IRS audits, telling the recipient that his or her tax return will be examined.

What’s unusual about this scam e-mail is that it may actually be addressed to you. Most scam e-mails are sent in bulk, with hundreds of thousands of messages going to potential victims based on an Internet address. Because of the volume, the typical scam e-mail is not personalized.

This new personalized version instructs the recipient to click on links to complete forms with personal and account information, which the scammers will use to commit identity theft.

Changes to tax law e-mail
This bogus e-mail is addressed to businesses, accountants and "Treasury" managers. It instructs them to download information on tax law changes by clicking on a series of links to seemingly helpful publications. The IRS believes that such a move actually downloads malware onto the recipient’s computer, releasing malicious code that can take over the computer hard drive and allow the crooks remote access to the computer.

Uncashed check phone call
A current telephone scam involves a caller claiming to be an IRS employee. The reason for the call: The "IRS" sent a check to the individual being called but has noticed that it hasn’t been cashed. So the friendly "IRS agent" wants to verify the recipient’s bank account number.

Let’s get real, people! The IRS is never — never — going to track you down to give you money. It’s always the other way around!

You can read more about these scams, as well as steps to take if you encounter any of them, at this IRS Web page.

And just be patient. The rebate checks will be in the mail, but not for a while. Don’t let anyone try to tell you otherwise.