Scam artists now targeting confusion over Obamacare

Scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service are at it again, this time targeting confusion surrounding the Affordable Care Act.

There are several red flags to be on the lookout for, and it starts with an email that looks legitimate.

The email comes from a person claiming to be from the IRS, and it demands an immediate payment for coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

“The IRS will never send you an email out of the blue. You should know that if money is owed the notice will be sent by regular mail," Consumer Reports money editor Nikhil Hutheesing said.

Another red flag from the email is the instructions about the payment. In many cases, it will instruct people to make out a check to the IRS.

"Tax checks are made out to the United States Treasury, not the IRS," Hutheesing said.

IRS officials say the address on the email, which is in Austin, Texas, is not an official IRS processing center.

“If you get this type of fake IRS email, do not open any attachments or click on any links it may have," Hutheesing said. "Immediately forward it to phishing@irs.gov, and then delete it.”

To get rid of the email permanently, also delete it from your trash folder.

Experts say to be aware that identity thieves may also deliver IRS scam letters by regular mail.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to verify any notice.