"Virus Hoaxes"
Virus Hoax Warnings: Page 19 of 81
IRS Scam Warning January 2002 This particular warning really did appear on the Michigan Department of Treasury web page for about a week. It turns out that after investigating it, the IRS determined it was a joke and had no malicious intent. While this particular scam did not occur, there are plenty of others that are real. Keep in mind that you should never give personal and financial information to anyone who calls you up or sends you e-mail no matter who they claim they are. Demand identification, including name and phone number and then offer to call them back. You can then call their company or agency, using a number from the phone book (not one they give you,) and verify their name and phone number. Keep in mind that ID cards are easy to fake and would you recognize an IRS ID card if it was presented to you? Check first to make sure you know who you are talking to before giving out confidential information. Special Alert to the Public _____ The Michigan Department of Treasury recently received an alert from the InternalRevenueService about a fraudulent scam being conducted via E mail that you should be on the look out for: Some taxpayers have received an e mail from a non-IRS source indicating that the taxpayer is under audit and needs to complete a questionnaire within 48 hours to avoid The assessment of penalties and interest. The e mail refers to an "e-audit" and references IRS form 1040. The taxpayer is asked for social security numbers, bank account numbers and other confidential information. THE IRS DOES NOT CONDUCT E-AUDITS, NOR DOES IT NOTIFY TAXPAYERS OF A PENDING AUDIT VIA E MAIL. THIS E MAIL IS NOT FROM THE IRS. Do not provide the requested information - this may be an identity-theft attempt. If you receive an e mail of this nature - the source may be the address blesstheday.com, please contact the Internal Revenue Service office in your area.
Copyright 2004 by Jay Jennings
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