Malicious IRS Scam Via Email

There is a very convincing email virus scam being propagated across the Internet disguised as a message from auditors at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   This heavy spam campaign sends unsolicited emails which contain the subject line:  “Notice of Underreported Income”.  In most instances, these messages contain a link or an attachment which is infected with malicious code, including the Zeus Trojan.

The Zeus Trojan is highly volatile because it steals sensitive data such as online banking credentials.  The Trojan has successfully struck businesses as well as home users.  The Zeus Trojan has been linked with installing a file which records the user’s keystrokes and thus results in recording the user’s account credentials. 

The IRS has addressed this issue and stated that it will NEVER communicate with citizens via email.  If you receive an email originating from the IRS, please delete it immediately.  Do not open the email or click on any of the links or attachments.

If you receive this email or have any questions, please contact the Security Operation Center (SOC) at OCIOSecurityOperationsCenter@fsis.usda.gov.