IRS scams continue

With the increasing number of people preparing tax returns using the Internet and tax prep software, the Internal Revenue Service is warning about electronic scams targeting tax-return filers.

Criminals use real-looking trademarks to help gain the confidence of people they want to deceive, the International Trademark Association stated in a news release.

Headings on the fraudulent e-mails include “Audit Alert,” “Changes to Tax Law” and “Refund.”

The IRS does not initiate communications with taxpayers and does not request detailed personal information via e-mail.

The association recommends using a search engine when looking for government and commercial Web sites, purchasing genuine tax prep software and avoiding entering Web destinations directly into the Internet browser address bar.

Refunds averaging $2,255 were issued by the IRS last year. Twenty-two million people filed their own tax returns or did so electronically in 2007.