IRS Warns of E-mail Schemes

The Internal Revenue Service noticed that email schemes in their name were being sent to many Americans. So far this tax season they have seen a “400 percent surge in phishing and malware incidents”. The e-mails being sent out ask taxpayers for information on wide variety of topics including refunds, filing status, confirming personal information, ordering transcripts, and verifying PIN information.

The forms of communication are not just limited to e-mail but have also occurred by way of text message.

The IRS Commissioner, John Koskinen, is urging people who receive these e-mails to not even open them. When the e-mail is open, and the link is clicked, people are being taken to an impostor website that asks for personal information. These sites may also have malware that can infect the computer and allow for criminals to steel information and track movement.

This scheme is affecting all regions of the country.

In addition to the email schemes, our clients are reporting to us that they are receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be IRS agents and stating outstanding balances that need to be paid immediately. These calls are inaccurate. You should not provide any information to these individuals.

Raffensperger, Martin & Finkenbiner has been selected by readers of the Gettysburg Times as the Top Accountant in Pick of the Counties for four straight years. The experienced accounting firm is accepting new clients during this tax season and has daily hours 8:30-5pm and Saturday hours from 9-2pm.