The Internal Revenue Service renewed a consumer alert after seeing an approximate 400% surge in phishing and malware incidents so far this tax season. The emails are designed to trick taxpayers into thinking they are receiving official communications from the IRS or others in the tax industry, including tax software companies. The phishing emails ask taxpayers about a wide range of topics related to refunds, filing status, personal information, ordering transcripts and verifying PIN information.
It is important to keep in mind that the IRS generally does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS has information online that can help protect taxpayers from email scams. Phishing and malware schemes again made the IRS “Dirty Dozen” tax scam list this year. Check out the latest IRS Phishing Scam news release for more information.
