Tax Season Scammers: Don't be a Victim!

TAX SEASON SCAMMERS: 
Don't be a Victim
With tax season, comes scams. When reading the February 2017 issue of the General Ledger (Vol. 34, No 2) I came across an article warning the consequences of falling into a common scheme and how to avoid it this Spring.

 These scams were aimed to trick accountants, bookkeepers, and tax professionals. It all starts with a phone call or an email.

Over the phone, once the potential victim is reached, the person on the line will act as if they are with the IRS. They will ask you to verify certain details regarding your personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card info. They may even read you data and ask if it is correct.You may also receive an email asking for the same information.

 In addition, you may receive a message over email telling you there are software updates that need to be performed on your computer. Once you hit download, a program automatically floods your computer stealing your information through your keystrokes. You may also obtain a survey via email, which asks you to answer personal questions which could likely result in identity theft. 

 We hope that by reading this blog, you can identify these types of scams and be able to avoid and report them. Remember, never give personal info over the phone or email, especially to people you do not know. 

 Even though tax season may be crazy and you may be distracted, make sure you stay alert to stay away from scam!

 If you are curious to more up and coming scams, check out our previous blog post for information on the "Say Yes" scam

 If you have any question regarding what has been said above, feel free to contact the Quickbooks Gal. 

 Got a Quickbooks mess? Call the Quickbooks Gal!

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