Abacus CPAs, LLC, is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies, the nation’s tax industry, and other partners to elevate awareness around basic security.

Abacus CPAs, LLC, joins a nationwide campaign to mark the annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, calling on individuals to safeguard themselves against identity theft as the tax season approaches, especially during the holiday shopping season, which is a prime time for identity thieves trying to steal financial and personal data, either to drain credit/bank accounts or file fraudulent tax returns in the victims’ names.

Remember, treat your data like your dollars; don’t leave them lying around.

Bill Dunton, Managing Partner, warns, “Everyone should be extra careful this holiday season to protect their sensitive personal information. This information can be used by identity thieves to file false tax returns and many other things. Don’t let this be a season of giving to identity thieves. Turn it into a season of protection for you, your family, and your friends.”

During the holiday season, there are basic steps you can easily accomplish to help protect yourself, including:

  • Shop at websites where the web address begins “https” – the “s” is for secure communications.
  • Don’t shop on unsecured public wi-fi in malls or hotels, where thieves can tap in.
  • Secure you home wi-fi with a password.
  • Use security software for computers and mobile phones; keep it updated.
  • Protect your personal information; don’t hand it out to just anyone.
  • Use strong and unique passwords for your accounts.
  • Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
  • Back up your files on computers and mobile phones.

Watch out for scam emails during holidays, tax season.

The most common way thieves steal identities or account passwords is simply by asking for it through phishing emails. Remember, don’t take the bait! Recognize and avoid phishing emails. These tricky scams often:
  • Pose as companies you know and trust, including places like the IRS.
  • Tell an urgent story to trick you into opening a link or an attachment, which can lead to adding a virus or spyware onto your computer. And, no, that’s not the IRS calling demanding a tax payment on a gift card.

Remember these standards regarding the IRS

  • The IRS does not call demanding payment and making threats of jail or lawsuits
  • The IRS does not demand payment via gift or debit cards. The IRS does not accept tax payments on iTunes cards. At tax time, checks should be addressed to “U.S. Treasury.”
  • The IRS does not send unsolicited emails about refunds or payments, requesting your login credentials, Social Security numbers or other sensitive information.

Protect your data; protect your money and your financial information.

At Abacus CPAs, our focus is you! We believe that our employees and clients deserve to interact in an environment that fosters growth, trust, and confidence. Our team focuses on tax, accounting, audit, and business consulting to partner with you and your business.  Abacus professionals provide leadership by relentlessly pursuing the best guidance possible so those we serve can make smarter decisions.

 

You can learn more about the topic in this blog by contacting us.  We are here and happy to help! Call us today at 417-823-7171, find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or visit our website www.abacuscpas.com to learn more.

 

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