Be Aware + Beware of Scams

Don't get tricked into giving out your personal information! Learn about some of the current scams are and how to report them.

 

➜ Scam Types

Here is a list of the different types of scams and what they relate to:

  • Pharming: Computer scam to redirect to fraudulent website

  • Phishing: Internet scam to get personal, sensitive information

  • Smishing: Text messages

  • Vishing: Sharing account information over the phone

➜ Tax Scams

The IRS will initiate contact with you by:

  • Regular mail

  • Phone (you will receive letters in the mail first)

The IRS will not initiate contact with you by:

  • Email or social media

  • Text messages

For more information on tax scams, you can view this video created by the IRS here or visit https://www.irs.gov/tax-scams-what-to-know-what-to-do.

➜ IRS Scams

The IRS and Social Security Scams continue. Here is a link to the IRS website which outlines the different scams and reminds you that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text, social media or phone calls. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts

Here is a list of some of the current scams happening (including, but are not limited to):

  • Unclaimed refunds

  • Employee Retention Credit

  • Pandemic-related emails

  • Unemployment benefits

  • Natural disasters

➜ Intuit Scams

Various scams currently being used along with how to be aware and identify whether requested information is from a reliable source or not.

Here is a list of some of the topics (including, but are not limited to):

  • Customer support

  • False businesses

  • Fake emails

➜ Artificial Intelligence Scams

Scammers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to clone voices in order to impersonate people. In some cases, they can sound like loved ones. Scammers get a small audio sample of someone’s voice and are then able to run it through an AI program that can replicate the voice.

➜ Tech Support Scams

Callers want you to believe there is a serious problem with your computer or that you have items ordered for delivery. They ask for payments in ways that are hard to reverse. Here is information from FTC about these types of scams.

➜ Debt Relief + Credit Card Scams

Scammers will offer to lower your credit card interest rates or even fix your credit, but that will cost you and ruin your credit.

➜ Money Transfer Scams

There has been an increase in cases of fraud and scams with money transfer companies, like Zelle, with or without authorization given.

➜ Third-Party Banking App Scams

It is important to understand who you are dealing with before turning your money over or sharing personal information. Knowing the characteristics of impostor scams and fake bank websites and apps can help you avoid becoming a victim.

How to report

➜ Robo Call Scams

➜ Identity Theft

➜ Spam Text Messages

➜ Scammers claiming to be from the IRS

  • For text messages: Take a screenshot of the message and include the date/time/time zone they received the text message and the phone number that received the text message and attach it to the email.

  • For emails: do not forward the email, but attach a copy of the email that you received instead.

 
 

Total Business Care Can Help

For more information, please contact TBC or email the office at info@totalbizcare.com with any questions that you may have.

News, Tax, AccountingTotal Business Care, LLCFinance, Business, Individuals