Avoiding Tax Scams

The IRS never sends out emails to taxpayers. Period. Learn how to protect yourself from scam e-mails. Often called phishing, criminals attempt to use e-mail to trick you into sharing your name, Social Security Number, credit card number, and other private financial information.

A fake email purports to be sent by the Internal Revenue Service, and states that the email recipient is under criminal investigation for filing a false tax return with the Franchise Tax Board of California.

There's a new "phishing" scam designed to trick you into revealing your confidential financial information. Here's what you need to know. The email will say it is from "tax refunds @ irs.gov," but in reality the IRS does not contact taxpayers via email.

If you receive an email from "tax refunds @ irs.gov," delete that email immediately. According to the IRS, this is a scam designed to trick consumers into revealing their personal and financial information.

Con artists are using the IRS name and logo to trick taxpayers into revealing their financial information. Contains information on recent phishing schemes. From the IRS.

Instructions for forwarding suspicious email to the Internal Revenue Service, along with tips on protecting yourself from phishing. The IRS will investigate all incoming emails to track down criminals.

The IRS has collected resources to help taxpayers fight identity theft. Includes links to the Federal Trade Commission, Social Security Administration, and has tips for safeguarding your financial privacy.