Getting an e-mail from your boss, asking you to do something as soon as possible, can make you jump on the spot. So it comes as no surprise that scammers are now sending emails as CEO or some other top executive at the company and demanding a long list of W-2 files via PDF format, immediately.
The IRS has issued a warning to to all human resources professionals to think twice about responding to such mails from ‘the boss’.
Who is More Prone to Fall for These Phishing E-mails?
Stressed-out employees in HR can be easily tricked into sending out W-2 forms.According to IRS, such phishing e-mails have already claimed some victims as payroll and human resources offices mistakenly e-mail payroll data, including W-2 forms with Social Security Numbers, to the scammers.
Similarly, an individual who has never received such an e-mail in the past, can be easily ‘phished’.
How to Avoid Being ‘Phished’
The IRS has, time and again, warned that they do not initiate contact with taxpayers via e-mail or text messages to ask for personal information. With this new phishing e-mail from ‘the boss’ in town, the IRS has released some details that might be in the phishing e-mail and are a definite red flag.
- Kindly send me the individual 2015 W-2 (PDF) and earnings summary of all W-2 of our company staff for a quick review.
- Can you send me an updated list of employees with full details (Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Home Address, Salary)?
- I want you to send me the list of W-2 copy of employee wage and tax statement for 2015. I need them in PDF file type, you can send it as an attachment. Kindly prepare the lists and email them to me asap.
Tax Help MD
Are you scared of being ‘phished’ out and need advice to avoid it? Our experts at Tax Help MD are ready to answer all your tax-related queries. Call us now on 888-632-4506 for free advice and consultation.
Call 888-557-4020 or contact us online at https://www.taxhelpmd.com/contact-us/
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