EL PASO, Texas -- The Internal Revenue Service is warning consumers of the latest scheme linked to the economic stimulus payment. It has received complaints about phone calls and e-mails claiming to come from the IRS. The caller asks for personal information such as Social Security number, bank account for direct deposit and date of birth.

"They're (con-artists) always looking for an opportunity, I guess," said Norma Bustillos, of west El Paso.

"I honestly believe there are gullable people out there that would fall for it," said Megan Villanueva, of west El Paso.

The IRS cautioned taxpayers to be on the lookout for schemes involving proposed advance payment checks. Typically, identity thieves use a victim's personal and financial data to empty the victim's financial accounts, run up charges on the victim's existing credit cards, apply for new loans, credit cards, services or benefits in the victim's name, file fraudulent tax returns or even commit crimes.

Another scheme linked to the economic stimulus payments includes e-mails claiming to come from the IRS. Officials with the FBI said timing is key, since as many as 130 million households across the country will receive checks in the mail.

"If they can call 200 people in one day and can get five to 10 individuals that will provide them with their personal identification numbers and Social Security, and date of births and banking information, they have had a successful day," said Kevin Kolbye with the FBI.

The IRS will never contact individuals by phone or e-mail, only by mail, and would never ask for personal information because it already has the information it needs.

Consumers can file complaints by e-mail at phishing@irs.gov or call 1-800-336-4484.