By:Richard A. Chapo The IRS has issued a warning regarding a phishing email scam. The scam claims you are due a tax refund, but is really designed to obtain your personal information. Tax Refund Email Scam Phishing scams are designed to swindle you into providing private information that can be used to your detriment. This information typically includes things like credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank accounts and so on. This information is then used to open financial accounts in your name, a process otherwise known as identity theft. Frankly, it is a nightmare you do not want to be a part of. The IRS is warning people about a tax refund email scam, which works like this. You receive an email purportedly from the IRS indicating you are due a tax refund. You are directed to click a link to visit an “IRS” page. On the page, you are asked to provide your social security number, etc., so your account can be accessed. This email is fraudulent and designed solely for identity theft. IRS Does Not Use Email The IRS does not use email to contact taxpayers. It certainly doesn’t use it tell you about tax refunds. The IRS only communicates with taxpayers through the mail or by telephone. Do not fall for this scam! Are You Owed A Refund? But what if you really are owed a tax refund? Well, the IRS is certainly not going to contact you by email to tell you. Think about it. The IRS doesn’t HAVE your email address, so how would it send you a message? If you think you may be owed a tax refund, the best option is to pick up the phone and contact the IRS. You can reach the agency by calling 1-800-829-1040. Whatever you do, never respond to an email from the Internal Revenue Service because they are fake. Don’t get suckered! Article Source: http://www.dailynewarticles.com Richard A. Chapo is with www.businesstaxrecovery.com - recovery of business taxes, small business tax relief and help through tax refund and reduction services. Visit www.businesstaxrecovery.com/articles to read more business tax articles. More Articles from Taxes Category: What Is A Standard Tax Deduction? What Is An LLC Tax Deduction? Decoding the IRS Dependent Rules! How Do I Know When to Claim a Dependent? Small Business Tax Deductions - Top 5 Tax Planning - What Filing Choices Are There? A Simple Introduction To Filing Electronic Taxes What Would It Mean To Pass The FairTax Plan? New Laws on Donating a Car Why Our Political Leaders Should Embrace the Fair Tax Plan. Income Tax Software - The Best Ones On The Market It's a Taxing Time of Year 1099-MISC Forms For Independent Contractors for 2005 Getting The Biggest Benefit From Tax Help Getting A Tax Break With Your Hybrid Vehicle Home Office Tax Expenses