IRS email scam could cost you

CLEVELAND -- If you get an email from what appears to be the IRS, don't open it.

The email is a virus, according to the New York State Police, and it's costing people hundreds of dollars to clean up their computers.

The IRS website warns the organization will never initiate contact with you via email.

Once opened, the email, which has an IRS.gov domain, will open a series of error messages. Then it asks victims to make a purchase as a part of a program to help clean up the computer. The program will remove the problem, however, the purpose of this scam is for the scammers to make money.

If you recieve the email immediately forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

The IRS website has a whole list of things you should look out for, including bogus emails, faxes and even letters in the mail.

This latest email scam is believed originate from Eastern Europe. Investigators are taking a closer look to try and stop the people behind it.

3 suspects in alleged scheme involving Philly basement captives set for court

PHILADELPHIA — Prosecutors may begin to offer more insight Monday into a case involving accusations of Social Security fraud and the kidnapping of mentally disabled adults that has stunned local law enforcement and social service providers.

Linda Ann Weston, 51, her boyfriend Gregory Thomas, 47, and Eddie "the Reverend Ed" Wright, 50, allegedly held four mentally disabled adults captive in a filthy basement as part of a benefits fraud scheme.

The suspects are set to make their first court appearances in Philadelphia on Monday on charges of kidnapping, assault, false imprisonment and other counts.

Wright's attorney, Louis D'Onofrio, told The Associated Press on Sunday that his client would plead not guilty at the hearing. Weston's attorney has not returned several calls, and no lawyer is listed for Thomas.

A landlord discovered the victims in the dank boiler room of his Philadelphia apartment building Oct. 15. Police said the disabled adults, who have the mental capacity of 10-year-olds, were malnourished; one was chained to a boiler.

Weston, Thomas and Wright had recently moved into the building in the city's Tacony section with Weston's daughter Jean McIntosh, police said.

Authorities characterized Weston as the ringleader in a plot to lock people up and cash their Social Security checks.

Investigators are working to discover the extent of the scheme after finding more than 50 Social Security cards, power of attorney documents and other such forms in McIntosh's apartment.

McIntosh, 32, also faces charges including kidnapping, assault and false imprisonment. She was slated to appear in court Wednesday. Her lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment Sunday.

Eight children and four young adults linked to the defendants are in protective custody.

Court documents indicated that Monday's arraignment status hearing for Weston, Thomas and Wright will be held before Common Pleas Court Senior Judge Felice Rowley Stack.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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