Once more, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has the same goal. Avoiding scams is the utmost priority when it comes to taxpayers’ safety during the Christmas holidays. This warning comes after the 9th annual National Tax Security Awareness Week started.
Scammers use multiple methods to steal your valuable personal information. In this way, they want to steal your IRS tax refund. If you do not want to be their next victim, it is time to act. Bear in mind that thousands of taxpayers are affected by scams every month.
Useful tips for taxpayers to avoid scams over the Christmas holidays:
- Only buy at online websites whose addresses start with “https:” without the “s”, there are no secure communications.
- Look for the icon representing a padlock
- Do not make your purchases when you are using a Wi-fi connection in a store or shopping mall
- Make sure you update all the software on your devices and gadgets (tablets, laptops, smart phones)to avoid security breaches
- Help protect the devices of children and older adults who are not trained in technology
- Enable your firewall on your devices
- Use anti-virus software for your computer to prevent malware from being installed
- Only use unique and strong passwords for your online account
- Take advantage of multi-factor authentication whenever you can
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Unfortunately, scams are becoming more sophisticated. Therefore, it is often easy to fall into scammers’ traps. Phishing emails have become one of the most common threats to taxpayers.
Hence, do not open any emails you do not know their origin even if they seem to be from the IRS. It is best to visit your local office or check your online account instead without using links or setting up any malware unwillingly.
Not only are scammers interested in getting your confidential tax and financial information, but they are also eager to steal your Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or passwords. No doubt they will use it to commit fraud and identity theft.