Consumer Alert
“Scam” E-Mail Pretending to be From the IRS
Several BU students have informed the ISSS of a “scam” email that pretends to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), stating that the recipient is eligible for a tax refund and providing a web link to obtain the refund. The e-mail further requires the recipient to reply within 48 hours.
This e-mail is NOT from the IRS, but is an attempt to gain access to personally identifiable information, including social security number and credit card information. Do not respond to such an e-mail!
If you pass your cursor over the url provided in the phony e-mail message without clicking on it, you will see that a very different url comes up. The IRS has information on this scam at their website: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=170894,00.html
If you thought the e-mail was real and have already filled out the form and submitted it, you should contact your credit card company at the number on the back of your card (most have 24/7 service to report theft) and tell them what has happened. The IRS does not send out e-mail notifications, and they do not ask for credit card information on their forms.
Additional resources include:
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=136324,00.html
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=136412,00.html
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html
Here is the text of the fake e-mail message:
Internal Revenue Service Department Notice
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that
you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $268.32.
Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 3-6 days in order to process it.
A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons.
For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline.
http://www.irs.gov/small/businesses/international/refunds/pass.php?cmd=apply_refund
Please Note:
If we do no receive the appropriate records within 48 hours, then we will assume this email is invalid and the refund will be suspended.
We appreciate your support and understanding and thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Regards,
Internal Revenue Service Department
Remember, this is a scam e-mail, also known as a “phishing” e-mail. Never respond to unsolicited e-mail messages with your identifying information, such as a social security number, bank account or credit card. Phishers have the ability to create e-mails and websites that are very similar to the “real thing.” If you have any doubts, type the real url of the company you wish to do business with into your web browser, rather than using the web link provided in the e-mail message.
Posted 28 October 2007