AAFCPAs Warns of Recent IRS-Impersonation Identity Theft Scam

We have been alerted that a number of taxpayers are receiving emails from scammers who are disguising themselves as IRS agents.  Generally, the IRS does not send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers.  Further, the IRS does not communicate tax account information with taxpayers via e-mail or use e-mail to solicit sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers. The IRS does not request financial account security information, such as PIN numbers, from taxpayers.

Most emails (and phone calls) impersonating the IRS are identity theft scams.  The scammer poses as a legitimate institution to trick consumers into revealing personal and financial information (e.g. passwords and Social Security Numbers, PINs, bank account and credit card numbers), which can be used to gain access to and steal their bank, credit card or other financial accounts.  This scam is an example of internet phishing, which is the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money), often for malicious reasons, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Please be aware that if you receive an email from e-Services(at)email.irs.gov you should delete the message.

As a general reminder, AAFCPAs encourages you to proceed cautiously when receiving any email or communication soliciting your personal information.

For more information, please contact your AAF Partner, or Rich Weiner, Tax Partner, at 774.512.4078 or rweiner@nullaafcpa.com.

AAF Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where AAF Wealth Management and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This blog is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by AAF Wealth Management unless a client service agreement is in place.