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 them to update their e-services information,” said the IRS alert. “This email WAS NOT generated by e-Services. The links provided in the email to access e-Services appear to be a phishing scam to capture e-Services usernames and passwords. If you receive an email like this, do not click on the links or take any other action. There is no need to call us. Just disregard the email.”
The IRS has been working to combat the rising tide of tax-related identity theft, forming a partnership known as the Security Summit with state tax authorities, tax preparation software vendors and major tax prep chains to share information.
The IRS is also posting a Security Awareness Tax Tips series that includes seven ways people can protect their computers, which takes on added importance as people prepare for the holidays and the 2016 tax season approaches.