IRS Warns Tax Professionals Of State Scam

The IRS and its state and industry Security Summit partners are warning tax practitioners to beware of phishing emails posing as state accounting and professional associations. According to a news release from the IRS they've received reports from tax professionals who received fake emails that were trying to trick them into disclosing their email usernames and passwords.

Cybercriminals specifically targeted tax professionals in Iowa, Illinois, New Jersey and North Carolina. The IRS also received reports about a Canadian accounting association. But they also say it could happen anywhere including in Washington State.

The awkwardly worded phishing email states: “We kindly request that you follow this link HERE and sign in with your email to view this information from (name of accounting association) to all active members. This announcement has been updated for your kind information through our secure information sharing portal which is linked to your email server.”

IRS officials say tax practitioners nationwide should be on guard because cybercriminals can easily change their tactics, using other association names or making other adjustments in their scam attempts.