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Scammers target tax pros, not just taxpayers

By Jason Stoogenke, wsoctv.com
By Jason Stoogenke, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Scammers trying to get your tax refund aren't just going after you anymore. They may be targeting the person doing your taxes.

Tax preparers have all of your information, making it a one-stop shop for hackers, so the IRS issued a warning. 

Scammers use the following methods, the IRS says:

  • Cybercriminals hack into your tax preparer's system.
  • They wait for you to get your refund check.
  • They pose as some official agency and contact you.
  • They say the check was a mistake and you need to return the money to them.

It sounds legitimate because they have all of your information, including what’s on your tax return.

Sherri Robinson is a longtime tax preparer in Kannapolis and got the warning.

"That's the crazy thing,” she said. “I guess they know that, as a tax professional, we have all that information in our database and stuff. I want to protect my clients."

"There are no guarantees. Banks get hacked. Corporations get hacked," taxpayer Jack Crank said. "People sit around just thinking of ways to get free money."

Crank and taxpayer Theresa Ammons worry about someone stealing their identities and then their tax refunds.

"It's scary," Crank said.

Ammons said it happened to her daughter and son-in-law.

"(Scammers) did get their refunds,” Ammons said. “Yes. So, I think they finally have it straightened out, but it took quite a while so, if it ever happens, it's not a quick fix."

Be suspicious of emails that look like they're from the IRS.

Hover your cursor over the URL to see who's really behind it and be suspicious if someone contacts you unexpectedly, even if he or she knows all about your tax return.

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