Dinniman: Watch Out For E-mail Scam
Identity Theft Scheme Uses Bogus IRS E-mails,
Talk of Rebates to Lure Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2008

CONTACT: ADAM CIRUCCI
PHONE: 610-692-2112
acirucci@pasenate.com

WEST CHESTER - State Senator Andy Dinniman cautioned Chester and Montgomery County taxpayers to be on the lookout for an e-mail scam, disguised as a formal notification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The e-mail, which was marked as “urgent” and contains an official-looking logo and address, claims the recipient is qualified to receive the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund.

“I urge all Pennsylvanians to be wary of any unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information over the telephone or Internet. Be sure to confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization or agency and, if using the Internet, only transfer your information over secure web sites,” Dinniman said. “Your personal and financial information are all a criminal needs to steal your identity.”

This week, Senator Dinniman received a number of e-mails from an organization claiming to be the Internal Revenue Service, United States Department of the Treasury. The e-mail states that the “fastest and easiest way to receive your refund is by direct deposit to your checking/savings account.” A link on the main document transfers the user to an unsecured web site that requests personal and financial information.

“After receiving three identical e-mails in a twenty-four hour period, I immediately reported it to Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett,” Dinniman said. “This is an identity theft scheme that lures people in with the promise of tax rebates. Unfortunately, those who take the bait may find themselves spending months or years - and their hard-earned money - reestablishing their reputations and credit records.”

Senator Dinniman urges anyone who receives this or any other suspicious notifications to contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General Department of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555. Or, feel free to contact Senator’s West Chester District office directly at
610-692-2112.

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