Tax season isn’t just busy for individuals and businesses—it’s also prime time for cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive financial information. Fraudsters employ increasingly sophisticated tactics, including phishing emails, deceptive websites, fraudulent calls, and SMS scams, to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal data.

Cybercriminals are counting on you to let your guard down. Don’t give them the opportunity. Knowing how to identify and respond to these threats is critical to safeguarding your personal and financial security.

For this week’s blog, we’ve curated a set of expert cybersecurity recommendations designed to fortify your defenses and keep your data safe during this high-risk period. Follow these key security measures to outsmart cybercriminals:

1. Verify Sender Authenticity

Cybercriminals impersonate the IRS, banks, and tax professionals through emails, calls, and messages that appear legitimate but aren’t. Always confirm the sender’s identity before responding or clicking on links.

A scam email might come from “IRS.alerts@gmail.com” instead of an official domain like “@irs.gov.” Likewise, a caller claiming to be from the IRS may demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency—a surefire scam. Always cross-check sender details with official sources.

2. Inspect Website Security

Fake tax and financial websites are designed to steal your credentials. Ensure any tax filing or banking website starts with “https://” and displays a secure padlock icon.

A scam site may look identical to the real one but have a slight variation in the URL, such as “https://irs-refunds.com” instead of “https://irs.gov.” Instead of clicking links, manually type the URL into your browser or use a saved bookmark.

3. Keep Software and Devices Up to Date

Hackers exploit outdated software to breach systems. Enable automatic updates on your operating system, browsers, and security software to ensure you’re protected against the latest threats. Old software lacks security patches, making you an easy target for malware and ransomware. Keeping everything up-to-date helps close security gaps.

4. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Even if hackers steal your password, MFA acts as a powerful roadblock by requiring an additional verification step, such as a one-time code sent to your phone. Where to Enable MFA:

Activate it on email, banking apps, tax filing services, and cloud accounts to prevent unauthorized access—even if your password gets compromised.

5. Be wary of Unsolicited Communications

Scammers create urgency to pressure victims into acting fast. Don’t fall for it. If you receive an unexpected email, text, or call requesting sensitive information, stop and verify. Example: A text message claims your tax refund is ready and instructs you to click a link to claim it. Don’t click. Instead, go directly to the official IRS website or contact your tax professional.

6. Secure you Network & Online Security

Cybercriminals lurk on unsecured networks, waiting to intercept sensitive data. Use a VPN and strong Wi-Fi security when handling financial transactions online. Avoid using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels when filing taxes or accessing banking accounts. If you must, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

7. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Scammers often start with small, unnoticed transactions before escalating. Regularly review bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity. Enable transaction alerts on your bank accounts and credit cards so you’re immediately notified of any suspicious charges.

8. Backup Your Data Regularly

Ransomware attacks can lock you out of your own files until a ransom is paid. The best protection? Frequent backups. Best Practices: Use encrypted cloud storage or an external hard drive to back up tax documents, financial records, and critical files. In case of a cyberattack, you can restore everything without paying hackers.

Final Thought

Implementing these cybersecurity measures will drastically reduce your risk of falling victim to tax season scams. But if anything seems suspicious—STOP. Verify before you act.

If you’re unsure about an email, message, or transaction, immediately contact:

• Your financial institution
• FBI Cybercrime Division: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
• Your trusted tax professional
• Our IT security team at CEO Computers: 818-501-2281

Stay safe, stay vigilant, and have a worry-free tax season. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email us at info@ceocomputers.com