BILLINGS - They're called "phishing scams", and they try to get your personal financial information.
The IRS says about 400 of these e-mails have been reported over the past year. Officials say they come from 55 countries. IRS Spokesperson Jean Carl says these e-mails often link to fake IRS sites and ask for bank account information.
One Billings man received a "phishing scam" e-mail claiming that he was eligible for a refund, but he knew better. John Fortiner who received a scam letter says, "When people get an e-mail that sounds as golden-colored as this one is, exercise extreme caution. If there are attachments things that say click here our download here, don't."
John Fortiner called the IRS and they told him to forward it to them and delete it as soon as possible. The IRS says they never solicit people over the Internet, and unexpected e-mail from them is a scam. The IRS says if you receive a suspicious e-mail do not open any attachments or click on any links. Instead, forward it to them at phishing@irs.gov for investigation.