This classic scam is making the rounds again this year. Using fear and a sense of urgency is what makes the IRS fake-call scam particularly cruel. The caller provides a fake name and IRS identification number. Caller ID may even display IRS information, setting the scene. The caller charges the situation with threats of immediate deportation, arrest, or driver’s license suspension unless the victim provides immediate payment in the form of electronic wire transfer or gift card.

In the heat of the moment, the victim may not stop to think twice about the credibility of a federal agency asking for payment. However, know that the IRS has a legitimate appeals process. Even if you know that you have an outstanding tax issue, before doing anything, hang up and call the IRS directly to confirm.

The Tax Return That Sounds Too Good to Be True

Advertisements for “big tax returns” are as ubiquitous as candy canes during Christmas. So much so that it’s easy to forget that many such ads are luring honest taxpayers into compromising their personal information or paying exorbitant fees.

Hire a reputable tax preparer who has a reputation for being honest and careful. If you discover you’ve fallen for a not-as-good-as-it-sounded scheme, do not leave without your information and contact local authorities.

Employee Identities

Identity thieves are targeting employees with access to workers’ W-2s. Perpetrators depend on human resources or payroll employees’ distraction during the busy season. The object of these scams is the same—identity theft.

The fraud comes in the form of a confident email from a CEO or important-sounding executive. The request is made for the W-2s of employees on a list of names. Because names are supplied, the email carries a sense of authority, but stop! The names of your employees are tracked easily on your company’s website, blogs, social media, and LinkedIn. Pour yourself a fresh cup of company coffee and follow the IRS protocol listed on the IRS Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts page.

Here, Phishy Phishy

Another phishing attack that capitalizes on employee time crunches, this con is designed to gain access to the target’s computer.

The target—usually a diligent HR or payroll professional—gets an email, allegedly from the IRS. Again, enough information is provided in the email to establish authority. It looks important and asks the recipient to click on this link. Et voilà! Information is stolen. Keep in mind that legitimate agencies are easy to verify. Take a moment to call the agency that proposed the request.

Tax Preparers, Fake Charities, and Undeserved Credits

Many forms of fraud include activities through unscrupulous preparers and fake charities or by claiming credits that you may not qualify for. If you use a tax preparer, choose carefully. Legitimate preparers appreciate your questions, since fraudulent preparers damage their profession. Before handing over your personal information, research credentials and look up the preparer’s reputation on the Better Business Bureau website. A bona fide preparer will sign your return and include an IRS preparer tax identification number.

When you give to a charity, you may also qualify for credits. Make your gifts to recognized organizations, and make your donations using checks or credit cards for documentation purposes. You do not need to give your Social Security number to get a receipt.

It’s too easy to let email and phone safety protocol go in the tyranny of the moment. At stake are the personal identities of yourself or your staff and co-workers, who may find that someone else has already claimed their tax refunds—or worse.

Harborstone is committed to helping you keep your information secure. If you’re suspicious about fraud, contact us to help you check your most recent activity. For more security news, check out our other resources at Harborstone.com/Security.