Scammers Targeting Tax Preparers—and We’re Ready

As the filing deadline for your individual income tax return approaches, the unscrupulous identity thieves shift into high gear, knowing taxpayers and their preparers are under more pressure and could make careless mistakes.While we’re certainly not perfect, we’re doing all we can to protect your identity, your financial planning records and, of course, your tax refund.You may have seen a recent USA Today story about the scammers specifically targeting tax professionals. The statistics are sobering. According to the story, “About 75 firms acknowledged taxpayer data thefts in January and February—a nearly 60% increase from the same time last year.”Rest assured we’re on the lookout for the crooks’ latest tactics, such as:

• Introducing themselves as prospective—or desperate—new clients and sending us attachments, supposedly their W2’s and other tax documents. They’re actually viruses—some providing remote access to the infected computer—they hope we’ll download on our computer system.
• Filing in your name, with all your data stolen elsewhere, and we find out when you call us to say you’ve already received your refund, and we haven’t finished your return yet!

The fraudster's next step is to call and tell you he or she  works for one of the IRS’ out-sourced collection agencies and  the money was deposited in error, which the IRS calls an “erroneous refund,” and you must forward that money to them immediately.

Don’t do it! Hang up and call us immediately. We’ll connect you to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.

In addition to being on the lookout for the tricks and scams, we use the latest anti-virus, anti-malware protection and protocols to protect you and your records.We do ask you to do your part: use our secure portal, or ask us to send you a link in an email. We know we’re asking you to take extra steps, but our request protects both of us. So, please, never send us your sensitive documents in an unsecure Email!We remain committed to your financial success—and security. Our tax accounting professionals pride themselves on serving, and protecting, you.Income tax day is less than two weeks away so contact us if we can help: Office@CPAsite.com or (904) 396-5400.