The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent a warning Monday about a new ransomware email scam intended to steal private information from the recipient’s computer.
The email claims it is the IRS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and advises users to download a fake FBI questionnaire. Rather than downloading a questionnaire, the hyperlink installs malware and prevents victims from accessing their data unless they pay a ransom to the cybercriminals.
The IRS cautions victims not to pay the ransom, but instead report the attack to the FBI at the Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.IC3.gov, and forward any IRS-themed scams to phishing@irs.gov.
The IRS does not use email, social media or text messages to communicate personal tax issues.
For more information, see the “Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts” page on IRS.gov or contact us today.