IRS Warns of 'Phishing'

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - The Internal Revenue Service is warning
people about the dangers of Internet "phishing" by criminals
looking for confidential financial information. It's topping the
annual list of scams people should be aware of.
Officials say people also shouldn't fall for predators posing as
IRS agents asking for information needed for their rebate. The
payment will be sent out automatically to anyone filing a return.
Acting IRS Commissioner Linda Stiff told Congress yesterday that
people have forwarded thousands of e-mails to the agency,
reflecting more than 1,500 different schemes. Thieves use
information to empty victims' bank accounts, run up credit card
charges or apply for loans in the victims' names.
A taxpayers advocate is urging the IRS to take a coordinated
approach on identity theft.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)