During tax season, there are often phishing campaigns impersonating popular accounting and tax-filing software. Knowing the anatomy of a phish will help you identify and avoid the phisher net.
Tax Scams
Think Before You Click:
– Take your time. The number one reason for falling victim to a phish is rushing and not paying attention. Slow down and be cautious about what you click in your emails.
– Don’t trust the FROM line. The email may appear to be sent from known or trusted sources. By hovering your mouse over the FROM line, you can validate the sender is who they say they are.
– Stay calm. Phishing emails play on your emotions. Get rich quick schemes or “something bad will happen” are two of the most common.
– Beware urgent emails. Phishing emails will often be tied to time-based action, such as “Act Now!” or “This offer expires within 24 hours.”
How You Can Protect Yourself
– Ensure your operating system, applications software and antivirus programs are up to date.
– If you think you have received a phishing email:
- Don’t forward the email to others. You risk spreading the danger.
- Delete the email.
- Check the website of the business sending you the email to confirm that the sender’s email is in their contact information. Otherwise, you can call the sender using a known phone number to confirm the information.
