Be careful whenever you are contacted by someone offering to help you do something that is government-related, or if they claim they are from the government. Typically the government communicates through official established channels such as the news or their website. Regardless of how you hear about something like tax rebates or homestead exemptions or Social Security checks, be sure to check it out for yourself on the official government website such as www.irs.gov or www.whitehouse.gov (be sure to note the “.gov” domain extension on the website address).
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| Subscriptions | Office of the Attorney General | Consumer Protection Page |
CONSUMER ALERT
Scammers Taking Advantage Of New Federal Economic Stimulus Package
Texans should be aware of a scam that has emerged in connection with the proposed federal economic stimulus package. Under recently passed legislation, the IRS will mail tax rebate checks to eligible Texans over the next few months. President Bush has indicated he will sign the package into law on Wednesday.
Several Texans recently filed complaints with the Office of the Attorney General after receiving unsolicited e-mails and telephone calls from purported IRS agents claiming that the taxpayers are eligible for “Bush refunds.” The scammers demand taxpayers’ Social Security and bank account numbers, claiming the IRS will use the information to directly deposit “rebate checks” into the taxpayers’ accounts.
This is outright identity theft fraud. The IRS does not call or e-mail taxpayers unexpectedly to demand personal information for direct deposits. Taxpayers solicited in this manner should just hang up or delete the e-mail.
Texans who have received these bogus solicitations can file a complaint with the IRS at www.irs.gov or by calling (800) 829-1040. Consumers also can report such calls to our office.
Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas |
Source
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