With tax season opening soon, scammers aren’t just taking advantage of taxpayers, they’re preying on tax professionals, too.
Earlier today, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) warned tax professionals that new phishing scams are making the rounds, including an email asking e-services users to update their e-services information. Specifically, the email asks tax professionals to update their IRS e-services portal information and/or Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs). The links that are provided in the email to access IRS e-services are most likely a phishing scheme designed to capture your username and password. This is not a real email from IRS. E-services will never ask you to update your information. The IRS reminds you that if you receive an email or requests like this, do not click on the links or take any other action.
Taxpayers and tax professionals alike should remember that the IRS does not initiate contact by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. Never click on strange emails or links seeking updated information.
This is good advice for all taxpayers. In February of last year, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen released a statement urging taxpayers to be wary of clicking on strange emails and websites, warning, “They may be scams to steal your personal information.”
Often, those scams are engaging in phishing. Phishing is often initiated by an unsolicited email or a fake website that poses as a legitimate site in order to get you to disclose your personal or financial information. Don’t be a victim: don’t follow any links from these e-mails to any websites where you might be asked for the same information.
Tax-related identity theft is a huge industry. Expect to see more efforts by scammers as we approach the season. A good rule of thumb: when in doubt, assume it’s a scam. Rather than answer questions via email or phone related to your finances, call back on a trusted number (1.800.829.1040 for IRS) and ask to speak with a representative.
