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I-Team: Scammers Using Phone Calls, Fake Emails To Steal Tax Returns

BOSTON (CBS) - As tax filing season hits high gear, it's more important than ever to be careful with your financial information.

Anne Durand's issue started with a menacing phone call. "It was a computerized message that said, 'The IRS is filing a lawsuit again you and you need to call this number.'"

Even though Durand knows her finances are in good shape, the Southbridge nurse was startled by the accusations. "It was pretty scary to think there would be a lawsuit already actively pending."

The IRS has received thousands of complaints of scammers trying to get personal information by bullying honest tax filers over the phone.

These are often fly by night operations based overseas. When the I-Team tried to return Durand's call, we got a recorded message indicating the number had been disconnected.

It is estimated more than $23 million has been lost over the last two years through these types of phone calls.

This year, the IRS is already seeing a 400% spike in the number of computer based attempts at fraud as criminals try to steal personal information through bogus emails and fake websites.

Bentley University professor Steve Weisman, author of several books on consumer fraud, said the IRS continues to be an easy target for these types of crimes. He said it is the result of a reduced budget and a failure to take some basic security precautions.

These fraudulent computer schemes have one goal in mind explained Weisman. "All they really need is your name and Social Security number because they are going to create a counterfeit W2."

Weisman said the crook will file for a large refund using the victim's information. If they file first, they will get a check in the mail. "Once a return has been filed using your name and your Social Security number, it can take as long as a year to remedy this, and for you to get your legitimate refund."

Weisman reminds tax filers the IRS will never call or send email looking for sensitive information. He says to hang up or delete those emails immediately.

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