Everybody loves the internet — including scammers. With its anonymity and ease of use, social media and the internet are a breeding ground for nefarious schemes, many of which use taxes as the hook to lure unsuspecting victims. Keep reading to learn more about a recent type of tax-related online scam and discover how to avoid it.
Fraudulent Online Tax Help
For some people, taxes are complicated and frustrating. The same goes for the internet. So when both topics overlap, scammers see nothing but a great opportunity to take advantage of others.
Cybercriminals are taking advantage of victims by offering to help them create a taxpayer’s IRS Online Account at IRS.gov. In reality, what they want is to get their hands on your taxpayer information to steal your identity.
Beware of any individual offering to help you open an online account with the IRS. Create the account yourself or, if you don’t feel confident using the internet, ask a relative you can trust to help you.
Protecting Your Personal Data From Identity Theft
We live in a data-driven world, so protecting your data is more important than ever.
And although criminals keep coming up with new ruses, there are a few things you can do to protect your identity. For example:
- Use strong passwords online. A strong password has 16 characters or more, is used for one site or platform only and includes a combination of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, special characters, and numbers.
- Be cautious when sharing personal information. Avoid sharing your personal information on social media or with strangers.
- Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts that offer it.
- Keep your software and devices updated, including a reputable antivirus.
If you need online help, don’t rely on strangers. Contact the IRS or get in touch with a legitimate tax professional. At Delgado’s insurance, our whole team stands ready to assist you in any way you need.
To learn more about taxes, check out our previous post, “2023 Tax Deadline: “What You Need To Know.”
Delgado’s: Taxes Made Easy
At Delgado’s Insurance, we have made it our mission to simplify tax filing while making sure that you stay compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
We have locations in Riverside, California, and Bloomington, California. Contact us today by telephone (951-361-0084, 909-421-9003), email (mail@delgadosinsurance.com), or through our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter).
