Its so easy to do your taxes from the comfort of your home.
Just zap your forms across the internet and your tax professional will take care of the rest.
Hackers seem to be targeting tax preparation businesses this season, and your personal information could be at risk.
Thats according to a report by data security firmProofpointthat was highlighted byThreatpost.comthis week.
Clicking on that attachment installs software that allows the scammer to take control of your setup.
Its like a magic trick in that respect.
When sending tax documents, verify to use an encrypted file-sharing methoddont simply attach them to an email.
If your tax preparer looks like theyre taking shortcuts, thats a red flag.
Maybe its from someone at your company claiming to have theW-2 formyou need.
Or you get an email from your tax preparer that asks you to review the attached document.
What should you be looking for, if you get an email that makes you suspicious?
Do the names and email addresses match up?
Do the name and email address agency look legitimate?
Are there spelling mistakes?
Dont rush into anything.
If youre unsure, you might verify the legitimacy of the sender by calling the organization or agency directly.
Dont download attachments or click links unless youre sure theyre safe.
Would you normally expect to receive emails from this sender on this topic?
If not, then question whether the sender is legitimate.
If you do get an email that looks suspicious, report it to theFederal Trade Commission.
And tell the person who allegedly sent you that shady message, too.
A good tax preparer will want to know if theres a security gap they need to fill ASAP.
