Be on the alert for potential IRS email scams during tax season. The fact is, the IRS does not initiate communication with taxpayers through e-mail. So, be on the lookout for email claiming to be from the IRS or other government agencies.

These IRS email scams appear to be from the IRS and other government agencies stating more than one tax return was filed for you, or one that indicates you received wages from an employer unknown to you.

Also be on the lookout for another IRS email scam that claims you’re entitled to a tax credit. The Making Work Pay email scam features an IRS logo and promises money as part of the federal government’s economic stimulus package.

Here are some red flags that an e-mail is a scam?

• The IRS communicates to taxpayers via physical mail - NEVER by Internet or e-mail.
• Never-ever respond to email requests for personal information such as social security numbers, credit card or bank information.
• Threatening language - the IRS will not threaten you.
• Poor grammar or misspellings are a sure give-away. That’s usually a hint it is coming from overseas.

What are the consequences of having your Social Security Number stolen?
If your Social Security number is stolen, it may be used by another individual to get a job. That person’s employer would report income earned to the IRS using your Social Security number, making it appear that you did not report all of your income on your tax return.

More on Protect Yourself From IRS Email Scams

IRS Internet scams never seem to stop. The latest IRS related scam is an e-mail claiming you’re entitled to a tax credit.

The e-mail, titled “Making Work Pay” features an IRS logo and promises money as part of the federal government’s economic stimulus package. Like all identify theft e-mail scams, it asks for personal information so a tax credit check can be sent. Such a tax break does exist, but IRS officials said the money was not being sent in a lump sum.

“What we called the recovery rebate credit actually was coming in your paychecks. The employers were changing their withholding so you got a little bit more each payday,” said IRS spokeswoman Marian Adams.

Another scam says taxpayers are eligible for a tax refund of more than $300. You are assigned a bogus refund number. To claim the money, you must complete and submit an online form that asks for sensitive information, including your mother’s maiden name and credit card number.

“I think people if they get something that says IRS they’re afraid that maybe it’s something they need to respond to,” said Adams in explaining why the tax agency is frequently mentioned in scams.

Not sure the e-mail is a scam? Here are some red flags:

The IRS communicates to taxpayers via physical mail - NEVER by Internet or e-mail.
Requests for personal information such as social security numbers, credit card or bank information.
Threatening language - the IRS will not threaten you.
Poor grammar or misspellings are a sure give-away. That’s usually a hint it is coming from overseas.

source: KWCH.com