Tax Scams Across the Nation Part One: Bad Guys Have Gone Phishing
1/18/2018 - By John Mascaro, CPA
The IRS is warning taxpayers to stay alert to several tax scams that are occurring across the nation. Phishing, phone scams and identity theft top the list of scams normally reported. Following hurricanes and other recent disasters, the IRS is urging taxpayers to be on the lookout for schemes stemming from these recent events during this year's tax season.
In email phishing attempts, criminals pose as a person or organization that taxpayers trust and recognize. The bad-guys may hack an email account and send mass emails under another person’s name. Or, they may pose as a bank, credit card company, tax software provider or government agency. If you click on the link in these emails, it takes you to fake websites that look legitimate but use bogus login pages. These bad-guys hope you will provide money, passwords, Social Security numbers and other information to steal your identity.
Phishing scam emails and websites also can infect computers with malware - and you won’t even know it has occurred! The malware can give the bad-guys access to your computer, and allow them to see sensitive files or – get this – even track your keyboard strokes, which let’s them know your login and other sensitive information.
The IRS has more information online that can help protect taxpayers from email scams.
If you have any questions about tax scams that could impact you or other tax related concerns, email me or contact any member of our Tax Consulting team.
About the Author | John Mascaro, CPA
John is adept in helping companies develop and execute complex domestic and international tax strategies. He has served some of the world’s largest companies in varied industries, including IBM, Schlumberger, Siemens; and later specialized in the entertainment and media industry serving such notables as Viacom, Blockbuster Entertainment, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, SONY Pictures, SONY Music, Newsweek Magazine, McCann Erickson Advertising, Gruner & Jahr Publishing, Reuters and numerous entertainment and media celebrities.
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