If you are a resident of the United States and haven’t already filed your tax returns, maybe you should consider reading the following blog post. The countdown to “tax day” (April 15 in the United States) is currently in full swing, with the IRS offering daily tips for filing.The run-up to tax day in the United States has traditionally become a time when phishing directed towards the IRS becomes more prevalent. As reported in previous Symantec State of Spam reports, spammers continue to attempt to disguise themselves as the IRS, dangling tax refund offers in front of unsuspecting users. These “offers” are aimed towards recipients who may be unaware that the IRS “does not initiate communication with taxpayers through email.” The purpose of these attacks is often to collect personal details, including date of birth and debit/credit card information. However, these types of tax-related spam attacks are not limited to the United States, with spammers attempting to disguise themselves as tax collection authorities from across the world. The Irish tax authority recently became one of the latest targets.In addition to spammers disguising themselves as the IRS and other tax authorities, Symantec has recently observed that spammers have been “offering” ways to save money on tax preparation as a means to enter a user’s inbox. Spammers are using this method to attempt to obtain personal information from a recipient.Below are the top 20 tax-related subject lines for February 1 to March 23, 2009:• rebate processor position - we need your help now• we could help you settle irs debt now• don't you want something for your taxes• re: do you owe tax debt? read on• a rebate processor position offers you the chance to work at home • rebate processor position - easy work - great pay• don't you want something for your taxes• rebate processing jobs at home. immediate placement• re: need help with irs back taxes?• fast & accurate tax refund• 97% of all applicants can be helped with irs back tax• warranty and refund policies and wonderful discounts are available.• re: do you owe back taxes? we could help• $389 desktop, $499 laptop. amazing tax season 2-day sale.• need irs tax relief?.. • no more tax increases • get expert tax advice with your irs issues no cost consultation• at home rebate-processor positions paying $390+ daily• back taxes got you worried?• back taxes got you worried?...
"Tax-time"-related words in spam subject lines