In May 22-28 issue By Greg Wells Times Journal Managing Editor
"The IRS never initiates contact by email," warned Internal Revenue Service spokesperson Jodie Reynolds. "It is a scam."
The email came into the Times Journal just this week promising $184.80, and all it would take to get that money was clicking on a web-link.
Reynolds said the service is tracking a number of internet based tax refund scams, as they have in years past.
This year, she said, crooks have another target as well.
"They are even doing this sort of scam on the stimulus rebate," Reynolds added.
Under no circumstance should anyone click on the web address in the email.
The best thing to do is to forward it to IRS investigators at the email address Phishing@irs.gov
One bit of knowledge can protect taxpayers, Reynolds said.
"As long as people know we never initiate contact by email they can protect themselves from this sort of thing," she explained. Initial contact with a taxpayer will always be by mail."
She said phone calls could follow up on a letter, but there will always be a letter first.
The Times Journal is a weekly newspaper issued on Thursdays. It was first published on October 13, 1949, by Andrew J. and Terry Norfleet.
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P.O. Box 190
120 Wilson St.
Russell Springs KY 42642
Phone: 270-866-3191
Fax: 270-866-3198
Russell County News is a weekly newspaper issued on Saturdays, and is mailed free to every address in Russell County, Ky. It was first published on February 1, 1913.
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404 Monument Square
Jamestown KY 42629
Phone: 270-343-5700
