ST LOUIS – The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers that scam e-mails are circulating in Kansas that use the IRS name and logo.
The latest scam e-mail targets individuals claiming their federal tax return was rejected and directs the recipient to complete an attached form.  That attachment contains a virus that may infect the computer so personal and financial information can be stolen. Some of the scam e-mails are reported to have misspelled words and words in Spanish.
“The IRS never sends unsolicited e-mail asking for financial or detailed personal information,” said IRS spokesman Michael Devine.
He said the first contact from the IRS will be a letter or notice that arrives through the mail.  He suggested calling the IRS toll-free number, 800-829-1040, to verify whether or not the IRS is trying to contact you.
Devine has the following warning for anyone who receives an unexpected e-mail claiming to be from the IRS:
• Do not reply to the message.
• Do not open any attachments.
• Do not click on any links.
• Forward the scam e-mail to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.
• Delete the original e-mail message.