KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- So you've paid your taxes -- or maybe you haven't -- either way, you may have found an e-mail in your in box from the IRS.

If they're like the ones we've received, they say you've got money coming, just click on it.

Real, or a scam?

The IRS says what looks like an e-mail refund is really a rip-off.

The agency says e-mail scams soar this time of year, and include phony refunds, audits, or investigations.

The IRS even says they look official. The e-mails can contain the IRS logo, a dollar-amount, and even your name, But the IRS says it never sends emails about your personal tax information.

The agents would only send you an email if you've already talked to them, but if it's regarding your taxes they'll contact you another way.

These emails usually tell you to click on a link. Don't.

The IRS says the e-mails try to steal personal information, like your social security number, and those links could damage more than your finances.

IRS spokesman Dan Boone says, "The link in the email, if you click on it, we're told it could download malicious software onto your computer and then the scammers could use that software to steal personal information from your computer."

the IRS says if you've already clicked on a link, you should run anti-virus and spyware software.

You should also send the eimail to the IRS, but you can't just forward it. You have to follow certain steps so IRS agents can find the scam artist.

you can find those steps by clicking on the Hot Key.