The Internal Revenue Service is warning the public of a scam that could be lurking in your e-mail.

IRS spokesman David Stewart said “very official” looking e-mails alert people about a refund owed to them, but when it’s opened it can be “dangerous to you and your computer.”

“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,” Stewart said.

According to Stewart, if you have accessed a link or attachment in the bogus 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, you should immediately take steps to prevent identity theft. You may now be a prime target,” Stewart said.

Stewart said there are three things the IRS needs people to remember:

• The IRS never sends unsolicited e-mails about your taxes.

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

Anyone who receives suspicious e-mails addressed from the IRS should forward them to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

For more information about tax scams and a list of tax scams updated each year by the IRS, go to www.irs.gov. The IRS also provides information on its Web site to help taxpayers protect their personal and financial information.