Category: Scam Alert!
IRS warns of email phishing scam targeting tax preparers
The Internal Revenue Service recently issued an alert warning tax preparers about a phishing email message asking them to update their IRS e-Services information. “It has come to our attention that an email is being issued to tax preparers asking...
IRS allows fraud victims to obtain fraudulent return
Many of those who have fallen victim to tax return identity theft have wanted to see a copy of the fraudulent return filed. Initially, the IRS disallowed this request; however, they have changed their position. The new policy, detailed on the...
Best practices to deter and deal with identity theft
The volume and magnitude of identity theft incidents have grown to an alarming extent. Last year, more than 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft, a crime that cost them roughly $5 billion. Tax-related identity theft crimes have also...
CPAs see increase in financial fraud against elderly
This article originally appeared in Accounting Today. At ShindelRock, we are aware of these types of issues and can help if you find yourself in this situation. Financial fraud perpetrated against the elderly is on the rise, according to a...
Report phishing and online scams
Remember that the IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. This includes requests for PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial...
SCAM ALERT: Fake Michigan form asks businesses for $150 fee
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is warning of a fake government form being mailed out to businesses that asks for a $150 fee. Some Michigan businesses have reported receiving an official-looking form entitled the “2015 Annual Minutes...
State tax return confirmation quiz
Several states, including Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and Massachusetts, are requiring some taxpayers to take an online timed quiz to confirm their identity as a fraud prevention measure. At ShindelRock, we think this measure could be ripe for fraudsters to gain personal...
Guest Author Brian Clement: Anthem Blue Cross data breach is a wake-up call for healthcare organizations
Anthem, which happens to be the second largest health insurance company in the United States, suffered a monumental data breach that must not be ignored. 80 million records (people) have been left exposed and vulnerable to identity theft. 80 million...
URGENT: IRS letter to confirm your identity is authentic
Taxpayers are suspicious of any "official-looking" IRS communications these days due to the prevalence of tax-related phishing and scam attempts, but if you get a letter from the IRS this tax season asking you to verify you identity, it's probably...
SCAM ALERT: IRS Warns Tax Preparers are Scamming Taxpayers on Obamacare Payments
The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert Friday warning taxpayers to beware of tax preparers who tell clients to give them their health insurance payments. According to the IRS alert, “reports are coming in from around the country describing...