Scammers are trying to use the upcoming economic stimulus payments to commit theft and identity fraud, federal and local officials warned Wednesday.

Several Loudoun County residents reported receiving official-looking e-mails from the Internal Revenue Service that asked for bank information to process the payments designed to boost consumer spending.

Earlier this week, the IRS started issuing payments into bank accounts of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for married couples, plus $300 per child under 17. The first paper checks will be sent May 9, the agency said.

“Any e-mail from the IRS that looks official, those are phony,” IRS spokesman Jim Dupree said. “It’s something that all folks should be looking out for — basically unscrupulous types try to take advantage of the stimulus to prey on unsuspecting folks.”

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At least four Purcellville employees received the e-mail, including Town Manager Rob Lohr, prompting them to alert the sheriff’s office.

 “Luckily we had our red flags up,” he said. “I could easily understand how someone would think this is something they would have to participate in. It has all the official logos and everything.”

While some of the scams want bank information, others can launch viruses used to commit identity theft, Dupree said.

“If you’ve already filed your tax return, there is nothing you need to do to get your stimulus,” Dupree said. “The IRS will never initiate contact via e-mail.”

Loudoun County sheriff’s spokesman Kraig Troxell said despite multiple reports of the e-mails, no one has “fallen for it.”

“The fact that some residents have received this e-mail leaves us to believe there are probably others.”

dgenz@dcexaminer.com