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Scam Alert: Connecticut's Consumer Protection Chief Warns Of IRS Email Scam

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) on Tuesday issued a statement warning people about an IRS email scam that has been making the rounds in recent tax seasons.

This is how the email appears in the IRS scam that is upsetting consumers.

This is how the email appears in the IRS scam that is upsetting consumers.

Photo Credit: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

Scammers have been known to call, email or text their victims in order to obtain information they can then use to their own benefit. In some cases, according to the DCP, scammers claim to be from a bank or other financial institution, an employer or a health care facility.

“Scammers are always innovating and finding new ways to get hard-earned cash from honest people,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan A. Harris while urging people to never give money or information away freely. “It’s important to us at the DCP to warn consumers about these (scams) so they have the tools to protect themselves.”

The DCP said scam emails often have “tell tale signs” that include:

  • It’s written quickly, and includes typos
  • It’s not sent from a “.gov” email address
  • It asks the recipient to click on an unfamiliar link to fill out personal information
  • It attempts to impersonate a federal agency, in this case the IRS

According to the DCP, the IRS will only contact people through the mail. Anyone claiming to be from the agency using any other form of contact should be looked upon with suspicion. If you have questions, or think you may owe money to the IRS, you can always contact your local IRS office instead of trusting the person on the phone or computer.

Anyone who receives an email should not engage, officials said, adding that scam email recipients should report the incident to the DCP at dcp.frauds@ct.gov.

The agency can also be reached at 860-713-6100 or 800-842-2649.

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