Tax season is in full swing, but time is running out if you haven’t submitted them yet. It’s not just regular taxpayers who feel the deadline inching closer. Scammers are also looking to make a quick buck.
Cybercriminals are again impersonating agents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), employing all the tricks in their malicious arsenal. In addition, scammers are sending out emails that could infect your device with malware.
Read on to learn how to spot these fake emails and what to do if you receive one.
Here’s the backstory
There are many ways for cybercriminals to steal your details or fool you into handing over information. But one of the most effective methods is through phishing emails.
The latest trend in phishing is by spoofing actual companies or government agencies. If you fall for the scheme, you’ll end up on a fraudulent website designed to infect your device with malware or steal your credentials and/or money.
Security researchers at Cofense noted an alarming increase in the use of the well-known Emotet malware but made some changes to how it operates. Previously, criminals used the W-9 tax document as a delivery method, but the preferred method is impersonating IRS agents this year.
Cofense explains that the phishing emails use the IRS logo, explicitly mentioning where you work and…
