Tax Scam Warning

Oak Creek Police Department
Spring/Summer 2007 - Crime Alert Bulletin

The Internal Revenue Service recently issued a warning about an e-mail scheme that attempts to trick taxpayers into revealing personal information.

In this ploy, unsuspecting consumers receive an e-mail saying they are under investigation for tax fraud and are subject to prosecution. The e-mail tells recipients they can help the investigation by providing "real" information. It then directs them to an official-looking web site where detailed personal information must be provided to dispute the charge. The internet service provider shut down the site at the request of the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for tax administration.

Taxpayers who believe they have received suspect communications are encouraged to call the Treasury IG's toll-free fraud hotline at 1-800-366-4484. Taxpayers can also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. An IRS representative will verify the taxpayer's account status and determine whether a communication is legitimate