There are just days to go before this year’s tax deadline, but you aren’t alone if you haven’t filed yours yet. Lots of people put off the tedious and potentially expensive chore.
Thanks to Emancipation Day, which is observed in Washington, DC, procrastinators have until April 18 to get their paperwork in. But as Monday creeps closer, you might actually be starting to panic.
Scammers certainly hope so. They can capitalize on your haste if you don’t think twice before clicking on a dubious link or handing over personal information. Either action could put you at risk for financial fraud or identity theft.
Many scams start off with phishing emails designed to look like they’re from the IRS or an IRS agent. The emails come complete with logos and letterheads that look like the real deal, says Joseph Gallop, cyber threat intelligence manager for the email security company Cofense.
“The IRS reminds people over and over again that they never reach out through unsolicited calls or emails,” Gallop said. Keeping that fact in mind, he adds, will go a long way toward protecting yourself.
It’s good advice because Cofense researchers say there’s…
