IRS warns of stimulus check scam

‘We’re getting reports of people getting an e-mail that appears to come from the IRS and tells recipients to respond to get their 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund,’ said IRS spokesman Dan Boone.

Boone says there are three things the IRS needs people to remember:

1. The IRS never sends unsolicited e-mails. Never.

2. If you get a scam e-mail, don’t access any links or attachments.

3. If you file a 2007 federal tax return with the IRS by Oct. 15, you don’t need to do anything else to get a stimulus payment.

According to Boone, if you have accessed a link or attachment in a scam e-mail, you may have allowed the scammer to download malicious software to your computer and you should immediately scan for viruses and spyware, plus be alert for suspicious activity on your financial accounts.

‘If you have actually responded to a scam e-mail by giving out your private information,’ Boone said, ‘you should immediately take steps to prevent identity theft. You may now be a prime target.’

Boone also cautioned that scammers make contacts in various ways.

‘While the IRS never sends unsolicited e-mails or text messages,’ he said, ‘we do frequently use the U.S. Mail and may even use a phone call or a visit to make contact with taxpayers.’

Scammers know this and may also use one of these methods to contact people, he said.