Emails promising tax refunds and exemptions part of phishing scam

BALTIMORE - It's not tax season but that won't stop scammers from using refunds and exemptions as a way to get at your personal information. They’re sending
bogus emails in an attempt to fool you.

We're months from April 15th, so you've still got time before you have to think about crunching numbers. But scammers already have tax season on their mind. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland warns they're sending emails that use claims of missed refunds and exemptions in jeopardy to try and get your information.

The BBB sent us an example. It looks official, with the Internal Revenue Service logo across the top. It says you need to verify your status as a citizen and complete an attached form. The paper they ask you to complete asks for tons of sensitive information. They also request you submit a copy of your passport if you want to get the exemptions you're owed. But it's just a phishing scam that preys on your vulnerabilities.

The BBB also tweeted about another email, which claims you’re eligible for another refund worth nearly $200. That email asks you to fill out a form and send it back. But with both of these emails, sending back those forms gives scammers access to all your personal information. You won’t get money or exemptions in return.

The IRS says it never discusses tax issues by email, so no matter how scary or tempting these messages sound, you should hit delete and wait until spring to deal with the tax man.