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IRS
UPDATE W-2 FORM SCAM - Posted 12/22/09
It has come to our attention that employers are
receiving emails with the subject line, “W-2
Form Update.” This email scam also includes a
from address Internal Revenue Service <update@irs.com>
that is a fake email address the IRS domain is irs.gov.
This email is simply a phishing attempt to gain personal
identifying information via the Internet. According
to the IRS there are several of these phishing attempts
circulating currently on the Internet.
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This is what the Word attachment looks like if
you open it up. Clicking onto the .pdf icon will
run an executable file that will infect your
computer. Click image for larger view.
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Please not open the attachment or follow any of the
links. Should a recipient open one of the
attachments or click on a link a “Trojan horse” type
virus could be downloaded to their computer. These
viruses can take over the victim's computer hard drive,
giving someone remote access to the computer, or it could
look for passwords and other information and send them to
the scammer. The scammer will then use whatever
information they gather to commit identity theft, gain
access to bank accounts or otherwise use the information
illegally.
“The
IRS does not send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers about
their tax accounts. Anyone who receives an
unsolicited e-mail claiming to come from the IRS should
avoid opening any attachments or clicking on any links.”
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