Alert
Prepared by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
November 30, 2005

ATTENTION — EMAIL DISGUISED AS THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) PHISHING FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION

The FBI has become aware of a spam email claiming the recipient is eligible to receive a tax refund for $571.94. The email purports to be from tax-returns@irs.gov with the subject line of "IRS Tax Refund." A link is provided in the email to access a form required to be completed in order to receive the refund. The link appears to connect to the true IRS website. However, the recipient is redirected to http://www.porterfam.org/2005/, where personal data, including credit card information, is captured.

THIS EMAIL IS A HOAX. DO NOT FOLLOW THE PROVIDED LINK.

Be cautious when responding to requests or special offers delivered through unsolicited email:

• Guard your personal information as well as your account information carefully
• Keep a list of all your credit cards and account information along with the card issuer's contact information
• If your monthly statement looks suspicious or you lose your card(s), contact the issuer immediately

If you have received this, or a similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov