The Alabama Department of Revenue alerted taxpayers Wednesday of an e-mail scam in which taxpayers are reportedly advised that they have been awarded gift cards or other prize winnings from the Alabama Department of Revenue, according to a press release.

The ADOR advises that if you receive an e-mail from someone claiming to represent the ADOR and seeking personal or financial information, do not reply. The Alabama Department of Revenue does not initiate taxpayer communications through e-mail.

Taxpayers are strongly cautioned not to open any suspicious e-mails or open any links. Do not provide any personal or financial information such as bank account numbers, credit card PIN numbers or account passwords.

“Taxpayers should always use extreme caution when they receive unsolicited e-mails, from any source, especially those seeking any type of personal or financial information,” warned State Revenue Commissioner Julie P. Magee.