Don’t Fall for Scam Calls and Emails Posing as IRS
Scammers and cyberthieves continue to use the IRS as bait. The most common tax scams are phone calls and emails from thieves who pretend to be from the IRS. Scammers use the IRS name, logo, fake employee names and badge numbers to try to steal money and identities from taxpayers. Taxpayers need to be wary…
Beware Orlando-Related Scams: IRS
The IRS has issued a consumer alert about possible fake charity scams in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla. Scam artists commonly try to take advantage of generosity after such a headline tragedy by impersonating charities to get money or private information from taxpayers, the agency warns. Such fraudulent schemes may involve…
Federal Student Tax Scam Alert
One of the newest tax scams making the rounds is directed at college and university students and involves what’s called a “federal student tax.” The Setup Here is how it works. A call is made directly to a student. The caller has some piece of information that links the student to the call, something like…
Fighting Tax-Related ID Theft
When is a Web site not a Web site? – When it’s a “spoofed” site -– one that’s designed to mimic an official site, so that victims can be lured into divulging private information through it. Often scammers send an e-mail asking users to verify personal information, with a convenient link to the spoofed site….
Tax Scams To Look Out For in 2016
It’s the beginning of tax season, and with it comes veritable stress, including scams. Con artists work diligently to gather personal information that can lead to your hard-earned money being stolen. Over the years, the IRS has become privy to this and crafted advice to deal with each. Here’s a look at a few common…
Keeping Data Safe in Tax Season (and Year Round)
Tax season is in full swing, which means we are collaborating with our clients everyday. For many, the tool of choice for sharing information electronically will be e-mail. It is quick, easy and everyone has it. However, when relying on e-mail to share personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial statements and 1098 forms, individuals are putting…
How do you know if someone has filed a tax return using your Social Security number?
This is happening more and more—the latest General Accounting Office (GAO) report says that IRS paid out over $5.8 billion in fraudulent returns in 2013. The IRS does have security measures in place to verify the accuracy of tax returns and the validity of Social Security numbers submitted, but that hasn’t stopped the bad guys…
Tips to Protect Your Personal Information While Online
Clergy Financial Resources urge you to be safe online and remind you to take important steps to help protect your tax and financial information and guard against identity theft. Treat your personal information like cash – don’t hand it out to just anyone. Your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and bank and utility account numbers…
Fraud Alert
We have received word from a congregation that incurred a sizable loss of funds to do an elaborate and sophisticated email scam. Scammers use email addresses similar to existing church email accounts of pastors and other staff members, often requesting sizable sums of money to be wired for “projects that are URGENT and CONFIDENTIAL”. The scammers prey on…
