Taxpayers, Tax Preparers Targeted by Last-Minute Email Scams

Posted on March 21, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Tax filing season is heading into its final weeks, and the Internal Revenue Service says to be on the lookout for a few last-minute email scams. IRS officials say this is the time of year when tax-related scams reach their peak.

One thing taxpayers should look out for is emails appearing to be from their tax software provider, bank, or credit card company asking them to update their online accounts. They could be a scam to obtain passwords, Social Security numbers, bank account information, or other sensitive data.

Meanwhile, tax professionals are also being targeted with email scams. According to the IRS, tax preparers have been getting emails which appear to be from their clients. They ask them to make a last-minute change to their refund destination, often to a prepaid debit card. The IRS recommends that tax professionals verbally check with their clients, should they receive such a request by email. Tax professionals are also encouraged to update and strengthen their email passwords to help protect their clients’ data.

The IRS says never open an attachment or link from an unknown source. If you get a suspicious email, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

More security tips can be found on the IRS website.