Intelligence Note

Prepared by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

December 1, 2005

E-mail disguised as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) phishing for personal information

The FBI has become aware of a spam email claiming the recipient is eligible to receive a tax refund for $571.94. The email purports to be from tax-returns@irs.gov with the subject line of "IRS Tax Refund." A link is provided in the email to access a form required to be completed in order to receive the refund. The link appears to connect to the true IRS website. However, the recipient is redirected to http://www.porterfam.org/2005/, where personal data, including credit card information, is captured.

This e-mail is a hoax. Do not follow the provided link.

Be cautious when responding to requests or special offers delivered through unsolicited email:

  • Guard your personal information as well as your account information carefully.
  • Keep a list of all your credit cards and account information along with the card issuer's contact information. If your monthly statement looks suspicious or you lose your card(s), contact the issuer immediately.

If you have received this, or a similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.