Tax season is upon us, and unfortunately, that means scammers are out in full force. Tony Anscombe, the Chief Security Evangelist at ESET, has some valuable tips to help you avoid falling victim to tax scams.
First and foremost, be wary of unsolicited emails or phone calls claiming to be from the IRS or other tax agencies. These scammers often use scare tactics, such as threatening legal action or arrest, to pressure you into giving them personal information or money. Remember, the IRS will never contact you via email or phone to demand immediate payment or ask for sensitive information.
Another common tax scam is phishing emails that appear to be from legitimate tax preparation services, such as TurboTax or H&R Block. These emails may ask you to click on a link to update your account information or download a tax form, but in reality, the link will lead you to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials or install malware on your device. Always double-check the sender’s email address and hover over any links before clicking on them to ensure they are legitimate.
It’s also important to keep your personal information secure. Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive information, as these networks are often unsecured and can be easily intercepted by hackers.
Finally, if you do fall victim to a tax scam, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card company to report any unauthorized charges and freeze your accounts if necessary. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report to prevent further damage.
In conclusion, tax season can be stressful enough without having to worry about falling victim to a scam. By following Tony Anscombe’s tips and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself and your finances from these malicious actors. Remember, if something seems too good to be true or too scary to ignore, it’s probably a scam. Stay safe and happy filing!
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