Example of Spam/Phish Email - Looks Official

Here is another example of a spam or phish or even virus email. 

Please note that this seems legitimate because it LOOKS like it's coming from the IRS. They even use "irs.gov" in the email. Plus they aren't asking for "money", they are "offering money". The dollar amount is bold and looks like it was added with a database. This one is really tricky.

Here's how to determine it's a fake. #1 - The IRS is not going to do this. Sorry - but if you have a refund coming, it will not be as easy as clicking a link. So that's the first give-away.

Second - mouseover the link that is provided at the bottom. DO NOT CLICK IT .... JUST MOUSEOVER and wait for a few seconds.The actual URL should pop up and if you look at it, you can see that it has NOTHING to do with "irs.gov" (see the image below).

Note that their goal is to get you to click that link. It may take you to a page where they ask for more information, or it may be a "non-working" page, or a static page that appears to be nothing. But by actually clicking that link - you have opened the door to your system where who knows what has been implanted into your system. Please beware.

And do not fear. If the IRS truly has money for you - you will receive information through the mail - not email - at least not in this manner.