According to the IRS, there are a few new e-mail and telephone "scams". These scams pretend to be from the Internal Revenue Service and attempt to get taxpayers personal or financial information The IRS is expecting the scams to continue through April 15th.
This time around the IRS is warned to lookout for scams that mention advance payment checks from the IRS. Congress has not yet passed the economic stimulus package, and even so, the checks are not expected to be mailed out until this spring.
The IRS’s new release claims: "identity thieves use a victim’s personal and financial data to empty the victim’s financial accounts, run up charges on the victim’s existing credit cards, apply for new loans, credit cards, services or benefits in the victim’s name, file fraudulent tax returns or even commit crimes. Most of these fraudulent activities can be committed electronically from a remote location, including overseas. Committing these activities in cyberspace allows "scamsters" to act quickly and cover their tracks before the victim becomes aware of the theft."
Therefore, it is important to be aware of these scams so you do not fall victim to their gimmicks. The IRS never sends out e-mails requesting personal or financial information. If you do receive an e-mail like this, do not reply to it. Instead, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.