If it sounds too good to be true, it is. However, not all tax scams are obvious. In some, fraudsters may tempt you with less-than-honest claims to a refund that you don't actually merit. Following is a rundown of some of the common scams to watch out for.

Phishy emails or websites
One of the most common scams, phishing is when you’re tricked into giving personal information online. Now that many Americans file their returns electronically, the tactic is prevalent. One example is an email telling you that there was an error with your return, and the government actually owes you a bigger refund. Another version will play on your fears, saying there was a mistake on your end that you need to fix immediately. No matter how official looking, never reply to emails with personal information such as address, social security number, or bank account number. The IRS does not send emails, and would never ask for additional information via the Web.

The same goes for entering information on official-looking websites. Check the URL at the top of the page to make sure it is where you are meant to be, either on a dot-gov webpage, or a known e-file service such as those listed on the IRS website. Be wary, however, of clicking any embedded links in emails. Below is a phishing attempt a fellow employee found in her inbox:

"Dear Internal Revenue Service customer,
After the last annual calculation of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $120.50 AUD.
Please submit the tax refund form and allow us 3-5 business days in order to process it.
To access the form for your tax refund, please Click Here."

Signed graciously as the—Internal Revenue Service Online Department. A US tax refund in Australian dollars should be a dead giveaway, but the language sounds official enough.

Have you received any email scams or phishing attempts this tax season?

Grant money giveaway
Scammers might contact you by phone, saying that since you met your filing deadline, you're eligible for an additional refund or grant opportunity. Similar scams will tempt you with a too-good-to-be-true amount like $10,000, and be advertised as a “limited time offer.” These offers will be for direct deposit, but don’t provide your bank information. Unfortunately a timely tax return will never automatically qualify you for government grants.

Fraudulent tax prep
A tax preparer will need your personal information to do their job. So be sure to vet your tax preparer. Fraudsters can use the information you give them to take out loans or credit cards under your name. To find an approved tax preparer visit The National Association of Enrolled Agents. You can also find accredited CPAs that also work as personal financial specialists through the American Institute of CPAs.

Be forewarned
Here is a list of other fraudulent behavior that made the IRS list of top tax scams:

• False fuel tax credit claim


• Hiding income offshore


• Filing false or misleading forms


• Frivolous arguments


• Exaggerating nontaxable social security benefits for withholding credit


• Abuse of charitable organizations and deductions


• Skirting IRA contribution limits


• Disguised corporate ownership


• Zero wages


• Misuse of trusts

Don't fall prey to the 2011 Dirty Dozen tax scams [IRS]