New Scam targeting Preparers

[Lee B]

The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today warned tax professionals to beware of phishing emails purporting to be from a tax software education provider and seeking extensive amounts of sensitive preparer data.

The email’s origin is unknown but likely issued by cybercriminals who could be operating from the U.S. or abroad. The email is unusual for the amount of sensitive preparer data that it seeks. This preparer information will enable the thieves to steal client data and file fraudulent tax returns.

The IRS reminds all tax professionals that legitimate businesses and organizations never ask for usernames, passwords or sensitive data via email. Nor should a preparer ever provide such sensitive information via email if asked.

All tax professionals should be aware that their e-Services credentials, the Electronic Filing Information Number (EFIN), the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and their Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number are extremely valuable to identity thieves. Anyone handling taxpayer information has a legal obligation to protect that data.

Because the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry, acting in partnership as the Security Summit, are making inroads on individual tax-related identity theft, cybercriminals increasingly target tax professionals. Thieves are looking for real client data so they can better impersonate the taxpayer when filing fraudulent returns for refunds.

The fake email uses the name of a real U.S.-based preparer education firm. Here’s the text as it appears in phishing emails being sent to tax professionals: In our database, there is a failure, we need your information about your account.

In addition, we need a photo of the driver's license, send all the data to the letter. Please do it as soon as possible, this will help us to revive the account.

*Company Name *

*EServices Username *

*EServices Password *

*EServices Pin *

*CAF number*

*Answers to a secret question*

*EIN Number *

*Business Name

*Owner/Principal Name *

*Owner/Principal DOB *

*Owner/Principal SSN *

*Prior Years AGI

Mother's Maiden Name

If you received or fell victim to the scam email, forward a copy to [email protected]. If you disclosed any credential information, contact the e-Services Help Desk to reset your password

[taxxcpa]

Anyone who would provide all that information deserves what they get

[Catherine]

At this point, I'm suspicious of the emails I get telling me that my e-services password is close to expiring.... at least, until I check my own, dated, records.  (And the official emails do NOT include a click-link to change that pw; you have to go there yourself.)

[FDNY]

In the last few days I rec'd 2 emails, one from a Lee Perry titled Registered Auditor skills requested and one from Mark Barley, LLC titled CPA Services Requested.  At least they give me easy clues to hit delete.

As for the original post I think it would be a rare event for anyone in this business to give out that kind of info unless they have been living on a desert island the last few years with no way to charge their smart phone.