You know not to send sensitive data to someone who e-mails you and claims to be from IRS. But would you recognize this legit form as a potential scam? The latest phishing scam to misappropriate IRS’ info and logo works like this: An e-mail is sent directing you to download the attached form and fax it to a number which claims to be an official IRS line.

The catch: The form is real. The fax number isn’t. But like all tax forms, it asks for information (Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers, addresses, etc.) that would be a gold mine for fraudsters.

We can’t say it often enough: IRS will not contact you directly via e-mail. Only press releases, public notices, etc, are sent electronically. If you get an e-mail from IRS don’t click on any links, don’t reply and don’t call any numbers listed in the message.

When in doubt, call IRS (using numbers you’ve looked up on your own).

And forward any IRS-related phishing messages to phishing@irs.gov so they can be investigated — and hopefully stopped.

Tags: Communication, Fraud prevention, IRS, Resource