Stimulus & Tax Rebate Scam Alert

Federal Trade Commission & U.S. Department of Justice

Crime Alert Bulletin: 2008
Current: 2009

Scam Alert to Consumers about Stimulus and Tax Rebate Checks.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Justice are warning consumers about emails and phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The IRS does not gather information for rebates by telephone. Nor does it send unsolicited e-mail to taxpayers about tax refund; there is no separate application form. Similarly, if you get an email out of the blue from someone claiming to be from the IRS that asks you to call a phone number or email back you personal information, don't click on any links. Forward it to phishing@irs.gov, and then delete it. Clicking on a link inan unsolicited email carries risks of spyware, pagejacking, and phishing - threats that can lead to the theft of your identity. The only official IRS Web site is located at irs.gov. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov/phishing for more information about phishing scams.

For more information, visit: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt033.shtm