IRS Identifies New Email Phishing Scam Targeting Tax Professionals

There is a new tax scam showing up in the middle of this extended tax season. This one is an email phishing scam that targets tax professionals.

The fake email claims that “the preparer’s EFIN has been put on a temporary hold” and warns that the EFIN will be suspended unless the preparers open a document that’s been embedded in the email and “confirm or deny that they submitted the Form 1014.” The embedded “1040” document likely contains malware as well.

The IRS reminds all tax professionals that they are high priority targets of cybercriminals attempting to steal client data or practitioners’ identities. This is just one variation of phishing emails you could receive. Fake messages like this are characterized by:

• an urgent message (your EFIN will be suspended)
• an attempt to entice readers into opening a link or attachment

The IRS urges all tax professionals to be on alert and take precautionary measures to protect their clients and their businesses. Review Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data, for how to be safer.

A few simple steps include:

• Using the multi-factor authentication option offered by tax software to protect accounts from unauthorized access.
• Use strong password protections on all devices.
• Never open suspicious emails, links and attachments may carry malware.
• Use strong security software and keep it updated.

This information is from the March 18, 2020 edition of IRS QuickAlerts. Learn more and subcribe here.