Scammers spring for stimulus plan

 

A new scam is targeting the US stimulus plan even before the law itself has passed.

Researchers from Sans are reporting that a new scam is offering users a refund from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The spam message claims that the user is eligible for a stimulus payment which can be received by filling out an attached HTML form.

When the user launches the HTML file, the browser redirects to another site which, at the moment, displays a 404 error.

The attack signals what is expected to be a busy tax season for spammers. While tax-related scams have grown in popularity both in the US and UK in recent years, the economic crisis and proposed tax stimulous package could only further complicate matters.

Users will have one definite way to protect themselves, however. Tax payments in the US are only processed through direct deposit or postal service.

"Moral of the story, if it looks too good to be true, it is," wrote Sans researcher Adrien de Beaupre.

"The IRS will hopefully not be emailing out forms for economic stimulus payments any time soon."

Copyright ©v3.co.uk


Scammers spring for stimulus plan
 
 
 
 
 
Top Stories
The New Zealand telco problem
Opinion: Could Telstra save Kiwi telcos?
 
IT price probe to 'name and shame' gougers
Industry ducking the issue, committee claims.
 
Revealed: 2012 e-government award winners
Government highlights projects, professionals of the year.
 
Sign up to receive iTnews email bulletins
   FOLLOW US...

Latest VideosSee all videos »

Latest Comments
Polls
Should the Government enact new legislation to protect copyright holders in the digital age?

   |   View results
Yes
  19%
 
No
  81%
TOTAL VOTES: 474

Vote