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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Jason Sutton, media specialist

Capitol: (405) 962-7623

Contact: State Rep. James Covey

Capitol: (405) 557-7325

Custer City: (580) 593-2396

Covey Warns Constituents of IRS 'Phishing' Scam

OKLAHOMA CITY- (April 26, 2006)-An e-mail "phishing" scam claiming recipients are eligible for a tax refund is sweeping across the nation, and State Rep. James Covey is warning his constituents to beware.

The e-mail claiming the customer is eligible for a tax refund of $63.80 appears to be an official IRS correspondence, as does the accompanying form, which the recipient is asked to fill out with confidential information and return.

However, IRS officials stated in a news release that, "the IRS does not communicate with taxpayers electronically. If you get a communication from the

IRS, it is via a letter in the mail or a phone call."

"Citizens need to be aware of these types of scams that put them at serious risk for identity theft and major financial loss," said Covey, D-Custer City. "These criminals spend all their time coming up with new ways to deceive hardworking families.

"I encourage all Oklahomans to be vigilant and aware of these types of scams and activities that cause so much harm. We all work too hard to be cheated of our money and possessions."

"Phishing" is a technique used by identity thieves to acquire personal financial data in order to gain access to the financial accounts of unsuspecting consumers, run up charges on their credit cards or apply for new loans in their names.

These Internet-based criminals pose as representatives of a financial institution and send out fictitious e-mail correspondence in an attempt to trick consumers into disclosing private information.

The IRS e-mail asks the customer for social security numbers, bank account numbers and other confidential information.

The IRS recently established an e-mail account for anyone who suspects they are the target of a phony IRS-scam can respond to. The e-mail address is phishing@irs.gov. For schemes other than phishing, please report the fraudulent misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property by calling the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's toll-free hotline at 1-800-366-4484.

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