IRS Warns Employers of Dangerous Email Scam

Anne M. Meyer • April 5, 2017

The IRS has recently warned employers of another scam targeting employee information. The IRS has learned that scammers are posing as internal executives and are requesting Forms W-2 and Social Security Numbers from payroll or human resources departments.  The scammers may even initiate contact with a “Hi, are you in today” message before requesting the Forms W-2 and Social Security numbers.  It appears that scammers are using this information to file fraudulent tax returns and claim tax refunds in the names of the victims.

The target for the most recent scam is employers, including tax exempt entities, universities and schools, government and private sector businesses.

Employers need to continue to be wary of requests for employee information, even when they may appear legitimate. If an employer discovers a data loss, the employer should quickly report the data loss to the IRS as this will help the IRS take steps to prevent fraudulent tax returns being filed in the names of those whose information was compromised.

For more information on reporting a data loss or a phishing email, please visit the IRS website at:  https://www.irs.gov/individuals/form-w2-ssn-data-theft-information-for-businesses-and-payroll-service-providers.

 

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