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