The IRS is warning taxpayers to watch out for fake emails and websites trying to steal personal information that can be used to commit identify or financial theft. The IRS is listing this type of “phishing” scheme on its list of the top tax scams for the 2015 filing season, the typical time when scams peak as people prepare their returns.
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen explains that the “IRS won’t send you an email about a bill or refund out of the blue. Don’t click on one claiming to be from the IRS that takes you by surprise.” The IRS generally does not initiate contact with taxpayers by electronic communications, such as email, text message, or social media channels, to request personal or financial information.
If you receive an unsolicited email from the IRS, report it by sending it to [email protected]. Get more information about reporting phishing and other online scams here.