Tax deadline draws near, phishing attacks rise
Monday, April 13, 2009
Email security experts and the Internal Revenue Service are warning that tax day-related phishing attacks are on the rise, with the federal tax deadline this Wednesday.
The most common type of phishing attack is spam emails that claim to be from the IRS to offer a tax refund, help file for a refund or settle tax debt, experts said.
The emails contain links to phony tax filing websites where users are prompted to enter personal data like a Social Security number.
The IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email. Any email claiming to be from the IRS is likely spam.
Fake tax websites offer to electronically file or prepare taxes and ask for information including bank account information - supposedly to refund automatic deposits. But these rogue sites can be used for identity fraud and theft.
Network security firm Symantec's latest monthly spam report includes a list of the top 20 tax-related subject headlines, such as "we could help you settle irs debt now" and "rebate processor position - easy work - great pay."
A recent report from Microsoft found that 97 percent of all emails are spam. 
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