The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is still working toward the same objective. For the safety of taxpayers over the Christmas season, fraud must be avoided. The warning was issued following the start of the ninth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week.
Scammers use a range of strategies to obtain your private information. Their goal is to pilfer your IRS tax return. Now is the moment to take action if you don’t want to become their next victim. Remember that fraudsters target thousands of taxpayers every month.
Useful tips for taxpayers to avoid scams over the Christmas holidays:
- Only buy at online websites whose addresses start with https: without the s , there are no secure communications.
- Look for the icon representing a padlock
- Do not make your purchases when you are using a Wi-fi connection in a store or shopping mall
- Make sure you update all the software on your devices and gadgets (tablets, laptops, smart phones)to avoid security breaches
- Help protect the devices of children and older adults who are not trained in technology
- Enable your firewall on your devices
- Use anti-virus software for your computer to prevent malware from being installed
- Only use unique and strong passwords for your online account
- Take advantage of multi-factor authentication whenever you can
IRS informs of the common scams over Christmas
Regretfully, scammers are getting more and more sophisticated. As a result, it is typical to fall into scammers’ traps.The risk of phishing emails to taxpayers is substantial.
Therefore, even if an email seems to be from the IRS, do not open it if you do not recognize the sender. Instead of clicking on links, check your online account or go to your local office to prevent installing malware.
Along with tax and financial information, scammers also target personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and Social Security numbers. They will definitely take use of it to steal identities and perpetrate fraud.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.