The IRS Online Fraud Detection and Prevention Office helps protect taxpayers who are using computers to conduct business with the IRS. This office works to reduce online fraud against the IRS and taxpayers by monitoring, identifying and taking down bogus sites and other phishing scams.

There have been a recent wave of phishing, or phony emails made up to look like they come from the IRS.  Don't fall for it. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails about account matters and filing a tax return is the only way to apply for a refund.

The IRS recently published guidance on how taxpayers who lost money through fraudulent investment schemes can claim the loss on their federal income tax returns.