FTC: Beware of IRS refund phishing scam
A genuine-looking document is the hook in a new phishing scam where criminals send emails that claim to come from the IRS and have information about "your tax refund." Credit: Federal Trade Commission
As tax season heats up, the Federal Trade Commission is warning of new phishing scam that employs a credible hook that could fool even the savviest internet user.
Criminals are sending emails that claim to come from the Internal Revenue Service and have information about “your tax refund.” Attached to the message is a genuine-looking document purportedly from the IRS.
The email includes a link where you can check on your refund, which takes you to a website that requests information that could be used to steal funds or your identity. The FTC notes that the IRS never sends emails asking for personal financial information.
To securely check the status of your refund, use the official IRS Where’s My Refund site.
“Suits” was the most-streamed TV show last year, with 57 billion minutes of streaming in 2023, Nielsen said. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo / Cinematic
‘Suits’ takes 2023 streaming crown
“Suits,” which hasn’t produced a new episode since ending its eight-year run on USA Network in 2019, was the most-streamed TV show last year with 57 billion minutes of streaming in 2023, Nielsen said. The top original new show was Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso,” with 16.9 billion minutes of streaming. Overall, Americans streamed a record 21 million years’ worth of video in 2023, up from 17 million in 2022.
Gen Z consumers prefer to get money back from shopping reward programs via a mobile app, instead of email or physical mail. Credit: Getty Images / Marco VDM
Rewarding experience
There’s a new generation gap when it comes to getting money back from shopping reward programs. Gen Z consumers prefer it delivered via a mobile app, according to payments industry analyst PYMNTS. Boomers’ top preference, meanwhile, was via email. Boomers’ second choice was via regular mail, a delivery method only 10% of Gen Zers preferred, well behind app, email or in-store.
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