First we had the real estate feeding frenzy.. now it's hard to get a bite anywhere! Well, not to worry, congress to the rescue! They're sending us rebates! Yay! Plasma TV's for everyone! Yup, you've got plans for that money, big plans! Well there are others who also have plans for that money, your money. It seems the criminals are more efficient at processing rebates than the IRS. The IRS says there are several scams that have started to creep up based on the anticipated tax refunds as well as the rebates being promised by congress.

Most of the scams involve "phishing." Phishing is a technique where a scammer tosses out "bait" knowing that while most will ignore it, some will be tempted into biting.  In one version of the scam, consumers receive a phone call from someone identifying themselves as an IRS employee. The caller tells the targeted victim that he is eligible for a sizeable rebate if he files his taxes early. The caller then states that he needs the victim's banking information for direct deposit of the rebate. If the victim refuses he is told he cannot receive the rebate.

Another scam involves an email that appears to come from the IRS and falsely claims that the recipient is eligible for a tax refund for a specific amount.  The email instructs the recipient to click on a link in the email to access a refund claim form.  The claim form asks for personal information that the scam artists then use to access bank and credit card accounts.

A much newer scam is an audit email scam. This email tells the recipient they have been selected for a tax audit and instructs them to click on a specific link where they are asked for personal information.  The IRS says this is an especially dangerous scam as this is the first scam the IRS has seen where the scammers have addressed the intended victims by name. Most fraudulent emails are designed by spammers to be sent out to thousands in an attempt to get a percentage to respond. The information gained in this scam is used to commit identity theft.

There is also a paper check phone call scam proliferating. In this scam a caller claims to be an IRS employee who is calling because the IRS sent a check to the victim being called. The caller states that the check has not been cashed and the IRS wants to verify the individual's bank account number.

In reality, the IRS leaves it up to the individual to choose to cash or not cash a paper check. The IRS has no need to know and does not ask for bank account numbers except when taxpayers indicate on their tax return that they want direct deposit of their tax refund. When opting for direct deposit, the IRS says it is the taxpayer's responsibility to ensure the correct information is entered, the IRS does not verify the information.

If you wish to access the IRS web site, you should do so by going to www.IRS.gov. You should initiate the contact yourself rather than following a link sent to you by someone you don't know. A special mailbox has been set up by the IRS for taxpayers to notify the agency of any new phishing attempts. The Email address is phishing@IRS.gov.

Atlas was devastated! Holding up the world was all he had ever known. What would he do now? At first Atlas just moped around the house, but then he started cleaning the place up. Reaching under the bed, Atlas found his old finger paint set.  Inspired by the sight of his paints Atlas began creating masterpieces immediately.  Bringing in flowers from the garden, Atlas found he was equally skilled at arranging them into beautiful centerpieces. Once word got out, Atlas started getting contracts to provide arrangements for parties, game shows and even the coliseum. (Nothing says "fight!" quite like flowers.)  Before long, Atlas was signing autographs, money was pouring in and Atlas was having the time of his life. Atlas had no idea that getting fired could be so much fun!

Are you tired of holding the world on your shoulders? Are you going to work in the morning knowing you hate the job but have bills to pay? Maybe you should fire yourself! (Now before you go quit your job and starve, I should point out the obvious, you should have your other position in place before you leave your current job) Think you can't? Think you won't make enough money?  The reverse may be true. If your work is not an authentic fit, you may struggle to make a living just barely getting by. If you work in a field doing something you are passionate about, you will shine, you will produce results and the money will follow.  Sure you'll have to prepare yourself.. you'll have to acquire the skill and knowledge to go in the direction you wanted to go in the first place but didn't.

 The company you work for could be gone tomorrow. You could be fired, laid off or downsized, and it could be the best thing that ever happened to you! Go look under your bed, find your finger paints and use your new found freedom to do the thing you've really wanted to do but never did. Whether you decide to bring a fresh perspective to your current job or move in a new direction, bring your passion to work with you as you do something you really enjoy!