NATP warns taxpayers, tax pros of fake IRS scams

APPLETON, Wis. - Feb. 18, 2019 - PRLog -- Every year, taxpayers are bombarded with emails and letters claiming to be from the IRS and asking for personal information. The subject titles on many of these emails suggest the IRS is trying to contact you because they have a refund for you. These are commonly referred to as phishing scams.

Phishing is a term used to describe emails that are "fishing for information" and "hooking" victims. The content of these messages "lure" readers into believing that the IRS needs information from them. The IRS has issued several recent consumer warnings on the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scammers trying to gain access to consumers' financial information to steal their identity and assets through emails and letters.

These scam messages are used to trick readers into providing sensitive information. Fraudsters typically request bank information or credit card numbers so readers can pay their tax due or receive their refunds. Unsuspecting persons are now victims of identity theft.

What do you need to know to keep safe? The IRS will never request financial information, passwords, PINs or any other sensitive information from you via email. The IRS sends paper notices to taxpayers to discuss tax account information. Never provide your bank information to someone via email.

If you ever receive one of these phishing emails, do not reply. Do not open any attachments — they might contain malicious code that could infect your computer. Also, do not click any links provided in the email. These websites could also give your computer a virus or malware.

This article contains general tax information for taxpayers. Each tax situation may be different, so do not rely upon this information as your sole source of authority. The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) advises working with a trusted expert who keeps current on tax law changes and is an NATP member. To learn more about NATP or to find a registered tax professional near you, visit www.natptax.com.

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NATP is the largest association dedicated to equipping tax professionals with the resources, connections and education they need to provide the highest level of service to their clients. NATP is comprised of more than 22,000 leading tax professionals who believe in a superior standard of ethics and exemplify professional excellence. Members rely on NATP to deliver professional connections, content expertise and advocacy that provides them with the support they need to best serve their clients.  The organization welcomes all tax professionals in their quest to continually meet the needs of the public, no matter where they are in their careers. The NATP headquarters is located in Appleton, WI. To learn more, visit www.natptax.com.