Now that filing season is done, many tax professionals are taking a well-deserved break – but the IRS warns that tax scammers work all year long. Spear phishing was featured on this year’s “Dirty Dozen” list of common scams for tax professionals to be aware of. Spear phishing works as an e-mail which attempts to steal software data and credentials, and if successful, allows hackers to obtain sensitive client information. Some hackers then even steal tax professionals’ identities.
Another common type of phishing e-mail will use an IRS logos, and will have an alarming subject lines that calls for immediate action. These e-mails easily fool taxpayers into clicking on the “solution” link inside, and providing their information directly to scammers. The IRS urges taxpayers and tax professionals to never respond or take action on these types of e-mails.
For more information on the latest spear phishing scams, click here.
