Watch out for Tax Rebate Scams!

Unless you've been living in a cave, I'm sure you heard about the rebate checks we'll all be getting in the mail from uncle sam. Anytime you get a check from the feds its a good thing, but as always, identity thieves will be trying to benefit from the governments generosity.

I was reading an article from Yahoo News, written by Jim Abrams, an AP writer about identity thieves trying to capitalize on the upcoming rebate.

Apparently these bums are contacting people telling them they will only get their rebate checks if they provide bank account information for direct deposit.

They are also sending emails asking people to enter their bank account information in order to receive their checks.

According to this article, businesses and accountants are also getting emails with instructions to download information on tax law changes. Clicking on these links could download "malware" onto the recipient's computer that gives the thief remote access to the computers hard drive.

Another scam involves an email notification that a person's tax return will be audited with instructions to click on links to complete forms with personal and account information.

The bottom line: Don't click on an unsuspecting link or give information over the phone to anyone who called you.

13 simple ways to prevent identity theft