Tax season is just beginning and already the bad guys are
trying to scam and trick people into giving access to their computers and
private financial data.
I just received an email from my “CPA” telling me that my
K-1 tax form is ready for download. I
just need to click on the link and get it for my tax return preparation
process. It looks very legit but I did
not recognize the sender and I do not have a CPA (I do my own taxes). Of course I deleted it. Clicking on the link could have allowed the
sender to download a program giving them hidden access to my computer and
everything on it. Or they could have high
jacked my computer and forced me to pay a “fee” to release it back to me.
The IRS sends out warnings about these scams periodically. Taxpayers have received emails supposedly from
the IRS about a tax document or refund that the IRS wants to send them. Do not fall for this trick! The IRS does not send unsolicited emails like
these to taxpayers. Many individuals get
worried when the receive an IRS email and want to respond quickly and resolve the
situation. The bad guys know this and
try to take advantage of this.
The next few months there will be an increased amount of
email related to taxes that are both legit and a scam. Be very careful and if in doubt delete it. Open only those emails and links that you are
expecting and are familiar with. And
even then be cautious. Confirm with your
tax preparer to ensure that they did indeed send you the email.
Finally, we have all received email from our credit card companies
or banks telling of a possible unauthorized charge and asking to click on a link
to confirm. Or to update our profile information. Or unlock our account. Do not follow the link; it is most likely a
scam. If concerned, then open your internet
browser and log on the way you would normally and check it out.
Bottom line: Be very skeptical of emails with links.
By: Reg Baker, CPA PFS
Nationally recognized SMB Advisor and
Wealth Management Specialist based in Honolulu
