As the deadline for filing taxes looms large, cybercriminals are on the prowl, preying on stressed taxpayers. The recent instance of eFile.com, an IRS-approved service for filing tax returns, being caught compromising devices with malware for several weeks, serves as a stark reminder that cybercriminals are fully aware of the heightened activity during tax season.
With the clock ticking down on the last days before the deadline for filing the federal tax returns – a deadline that was pushed back to May this year due to pandemic concerns – it’s important to remain cautious and vigilant against these malicious actors. Criminals will attempt to exploit the urgency of the situation to their own advantage.
The threat of scams and frauds targeting taxpayers has been increasing in recent years, with phishing attacks, identity theft, and fraudulent tax filing on the rise. As a result, the IRS and other agencies have repeatedly issued warnings to citizens to be on the lookout for suspicious emails, phone calls, and other forms of communication.
One of the most common scams during tax season is phishing – a technique used by cybercriminals to trick people into revealing their personal and financial information. Phishing can occur via emails, phone calls, SMS messages, and social media, among other forms of communication. Phishing emails often appear to be from a legitimate source, such as the IRS or a tax software company, and may include a link to a fake website that looks genuine but is designed to steal your information.
To stay safe, it’s important to be cautious about any communication that appears suspicious. Always verify the sender’s email address or phone number, and don’t click on any links or download any attachments unless you’re sure they’re legitimate. Be aware that the IRS generally communicates via postal mail, and will rarely contact you by phone or email.
Another common tax-related scam is identity theft, which can occur when someone uses your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return in your name, claiming a refund that you’re entitled to. This kind of fraud can be difficult to detect, and may not become apparent until you attempt to file your own tax return and find that it has already been submitted.
To protect against identity theft, it’s important to keep your personal information – such as your social security number, date of birth, and financial information – safe and secure. Don’t share this information with anyone unless you’re certain of their identity and the legitimacy of the request.
In addition to phishing and identity theft, taxpayers should also be aware of fraudulent tax filing, which can occur when someone files a tax return using your information without your knowledge or consent. This kind of fraud can lead to incorrect tax bills, refunds being withheld, and other financial problems.
To avoid fraudulent tax filings, taxpayers should file their own tax returns as early as possible, before any fraudulent activity can occur. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your credit report and financial statements for any unusual activity.
In conclusion, the threat of tax-related scams and frauds is real, and taxpayers need to remain vigilant to stay safe. The IRS has a number of resources available to help identify and report fraudulent activity, and taxpayers should take advantage of these resources to protect themselves. By staying cautious, verifying the legitimacy of any communication, and keeping personal information secure, taxpayers can help ensure that their tax season is stress-free and successful.