IRS Warns Of Stimulus Refund Scams

Scammers are already using the economic stimulus payments as a means to try to get your personal information.

IRS Warns Of Stimulus Refund Scams

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officials said they have already had reports of scammers calling taxpayers and requesting their Social Security and bank account numbers. The scammers often claim the IRS needs personal information to get the taxpayer a rebate check.

Scammers are also using the Internet to try to pilfer taxpayers' pockets.

IRS officials said there is an e-mail circulating labeled "2008 Economic Stimulus Refund" that asks taxpayers to fill out a form in order for them to have the money deposited in their account.

IRS officials are calling this an identity theft scheme and said the scammers aim to get your direct deposit information from your tax return, not through e-mail.

IRS officials said they use tax returns to process the payments, and will not contact taxpayers by phone or e-mail. For more information on the scams or the economic stimulus refund, check out www.irs.gov.