Transcript:

There’s just a week to go before your tax return is due and the scamsters are out and about, trying to phish you out of your hard-earned tax refund – AND YOUR IDENTITY.

Here’s what’s happening. There are fake emails being sent out to millions of Americans that supposedly come from the IRS. The emails direct you to a website that requests personal and financial information, such as your Social Security number, bank account information and credit card numbers.

Because these emails really look like they’re from the IRS, you might be tempted to respond.

Please don’t. You should know that the IRS never sends out unsolicited emails or ask for detailed personal or financial information. Even if you filed electronically, the IRS won’t contact you directly. These emails are fake and scam artists are trying to steal your identity.

What should you do? Don’t click through or download any attachments. Simply forward the email to phishing@irs.gov. That’s P-H-I-S-H-I-N-G AT I-R-S- DOT GOV.

With practical, informative consumer advice, I’m Ilyce Glink, News-Talk 750 WSB