Don’t Be Fooled By Phony IRS Websites
As we continue in our series of tax tips to assist in making taxpayers more aware of the proactive initiatives that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has undertaken, this tax tip focuses on the issue of phony IRS website scams. As identity theft continues to be a prevalent issue in our society, the IRS has recently issued a warning to taxpayers. The IRS has become aware of a tax scam that incorporates a website design that mimics the IRS e-Services online registration page. The IRS wants taxpayers to be aware that identity thieves are utilizing this mechanism to lure individuals into revealing personal and financial information that may be utilized for illicit purposes. Taxpayers need to be cognizant that the actual IRS e-Services page offers web-based products for tax preparers, not the general public. According to the IRS, the phony webpage closely resembles the actual, authentic IRS e-Services online registration page.
As mentioned in our tax tip, Beware of Bogus Internal Revenue Service Emails, taxpayers need to always keep in mind that the address of the official IRS website is www.irs.gov. Many phishing scams include links to websites with a .net, .org or .com address. Additionally, taxpayers should always be conscious that the IRS never contacts taxpayers via email or social media channels. If the IRS needs to contact a taxpayer, it will be done through written communications.
If a taxpayer comes across a website they believe to be disingenuous, no information should be provided and the website should be reported to the IRS. According to the IRS, anyone that is suspicious of a website that claims to be the IRS, should send the site’s URL by email to [email protected]. Use the subject line, “Suspicious Website”. In a continued effort to assist taxpayers with protecting themselves from identity theft and other scams, the IRS routinely updates their website with any information germane to these activities. The IRS wants taxpayers to have access to the information necessary to avoid being a victim of these types of incidents. Taxpayers are encouraged to utilize the IRS website and search the site using the term “phishing”.
Please contact a member of WS+B’s Healthcare Services Group for further questions or assistance.
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To ensure compliance with U.S. Treasury rules, unless expressly stated otherwise, any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by the recipient for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code.
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