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SALT LAKE CITY -- If you're waiting for your tax returns, beware! A new e-mail has tricked people out of their money.
If you get an e-mail titled Department of the Treasury, do not reply. It's the latest phishing scam the Utah Department of Commerce is warning Utahns about.
The e-mail states the Treasury Department has determined the recipient is eligible for a $189 refund. Then it directs the reader to click on a link and asks him or her to enter their account number and other personal financial information.
"The government would never be sending out any e-mail information asking you for your bank account, personal identity information. The government would not do that," said Francine Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce.
An investigator from the Utah division of Consumer Protection traced the e-mail to Copenhagen. After checking with the IRS and the Treasury Department, the investigator verified it is a scam.
"We would encourage you not respond. If you have more questions, contact us for additional information," Giani said.
There are a lot of scams circulating, including one that comes via text message claiming your ATM card needs to be reactivated; and an e-mail that's being sent from Africa asking for your money.
For more information on how to protect yourself from consumer scams and fraud, log on to www.consumerprotection.utah.gov. If you have a question about a possible scam or consumer complaint, contact the Division of Consumer Protection at (801) 530-6601.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
