With tax season in full swing, the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and technology and service providers that serve the profession are warning tax professionals of new email scams that attempt to steal their tax software preparation credentials.
The Security Summit partners warned these scams serve as a reminder that tax professionals remain prime targets for thieves. These thieves try to steal client data and tax preparers’ identities in an attempt to file fraudulent tax returns for refunds.
The latest phishing email uses the IRS logo and a variety of subject lines such as “Action Required: Your account has now been put on hold.” The IRS has observed similar bogus emails that claim to be from a “tax preparation application provider.” One such variation offers an “unusual activity report” and a solution link for the recipient to restore their account.
“Scams continue to evolve, and this one is especially sinister since it threatens tax professional’s accounts,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Tax professionals must remain vigilant in identifying and staying clear of these IRS impersonation emails. A little extra care can protect the tax professionals and their clients.”
Emails claiming “Your account has been put on hold” are scams
The IRS has observed similar bogus emails that claim to be from tax software providers. The scam email will send users to a website that shows the logos of several popular tax software…
