Warn employees that if they receive an e-mail from IRS — or if you get one — there’s only one way to respond: by hitting the “delete” button.

The agency’s alerting the public about a new wave of identity theft scams, one of which involves an e-mail about the Making Work Pay tax credit. That’s the recent legislation that allowed Payroll Departments to put more money into workers’ paychecks by following revised withholding tables. However, the e-mail tells recipients that consumers and retirees can get the money paid directly into their bank accounts – just by clicking the enclosed link. Those that fall prey to the scam enter their name and account info.

Let employees know two important facts:
1. Taxpayers who aren’t wage earners (like retirees) don’t qualify for the tax credit.
2. IRS doesn’t discuss tax account matters with taxpayers via e-mail. Recipients should delete these messages, even if they include the IRS name, logo or Web site. If an e-mail is questionable, call the local IRS office (with a number from your phone book, not the e-mail) to confirm its validity.

Passing on this info isn’t just a public service – it’ll prevent angry or upset employees from barraging HR and the Payroll Department with questions.

Other ‘phishing’ scams
IRS says employees will also want to avoid several other “phishing” scams now circulating, including e-mails from:

• the Department of Treasury telling the recipient he/she will receive millions of dollars in recovered funds or lottery winnings or cash consignment if they provide certain personal information, including phone numbers, via return e-mail
• fraudsters that modify a genuine IRS form, the W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding. The e-mail may request detailed personal and financial information, such as passport number, bank account and PIN numbers, spouse’s name and mother’s maiden name, etc. The message may include the official form name/number or may make up a new one, such as W-4100B2.

Go here for more info on phishing and identity theft, as well as learn how to report suspicious e-mails.

Tags: HR, IRS, Making Work Pay, Payroll, phishing