The Consumer Corner - Tuesday, August 12, 2008 9:22 - 0 Comments

IRS Warns Of Phishing Dangers

The Internal Revenue Service is warning people about the dangers of Internet “phishing” by criminals looking for confidential financial information. This tops the annual list of scams people should be aware of. Officials say people also shouldn’t fall for predators posing as IRS agents asking for information needed for their rebate. The payment will be sent out automatically to anyone filing a return. Acting IRS Commissioner Linda Stiff told Congress last month that people have forwarded thousands of e-mails to the agency, reflecting more than 1,500 different schemes. Thieves use information to empty victims’ bank accounts, run up credit card charges or apply for loans in the victims’ names. A taxpayers advocate is urging the IRS to take a coordinated approach on identity theft.

Source: Associated Press