Faking e-mails from the IRS is a popular "phish." This recent one uses a tax refund as the hook.

The first clue that this is a "phish" is that the IRS never uses e-mail to initiate contact with taxpayers.

Other clues that indicate this message is a "phish:"

• Typos such as the amount (in red), which has comma instead of a decimal point.
• The attachment (in blue) is a web page.
• The stilted wording of the sentence, "Please view the message from the attachment file."
• The emphasis in the last sentence on preventing fraudulent activity and further information theft.

To avoid phishing scams remember:

• Reputable companies, financial institutions, and government agencies NEVER send e-mails, make phone calls or send letters asking for personal information and account information they already have on file.
• Never call the phone number in an e-mail message.
• Never click on links in these sorts of e-mails.

Breaking news analysis prepared for Corning CU by Remar Sutton & Associates, May 2008.