'Stimulus Check' Email Scams

Beware IRS Tax Refund Scams!

A few months ago, we wrote about e-mail scammers using upcoming IRS stimulus checks to get confidential bank information from consumers. With more people than ever filing returns electronically, you might be less likely to raise an eyebrow when you get an email like the one quoted below. But look out: it might look legitimate, and it might even link to a site that looks like the official IRS site, but it's not.

Over 130 million Americans will receive refunds as part of The White House program to jumpstart the economy.

Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund.

The fastest and easiest way to receive your refund is by direct deposit to your checking/savings account.

Please follow the link and fill out the form and submit before June 15th, 2008 to ensure that your refund will be processed as soon as possible.

Submitting your form on June 15th, 2008 or later means that your refund will be delayed due to the volume of requests we anticipate for the Economic Stimulus Refund.

The above email and others like it are a clever attempt by some Web-savvy con artists to get your personal information. Remember that the IRS, in its own words, "does not initiate taxpayer communications through e-mail." So junk that email and be patient - the last stimulus checks aren't due out until July.