New Phishing Scam

The California Society of Enrolled Agents has joined with the U.S. Treasury Department to issue warnings to the public about a new scam that tricks taxpayers into revealing personal information. The e-mail scam advises consumers that they are being investigated for tax fraud and that they are liable for prosecution. The email directs them to an official-looking website that instructs them to enter detailed personal financial information to dispute the charges. Criminals then use that information to empty bank and credit card accounts electronically or apply for new loans and credit cards in a victim's name.

Copyright © 2004 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 14, No. 3, 7/05