One thing tax pros have to watch out for on a daily basis is "spear phishing".
Hackers trying to steal information pretend to be clients, and try to get you to download documents laced with malware which will allow them to access private information on your computer.
They especially go after tax pros since they have access to repositories of very sensitive information.
Each email from a potential client has to be analyzed for suspicions.
Since most of my clients are from my local community, who write on certain ways, it's quite easy to spot something suspicious.
As a precaution, new clients have to have a phone or zoom call with me, before working with them.
But sometimes the scammers just write comical emails!
Look at this:
"Good Morning,
I have just gotten back into the country, been on the oil rig for the past year on the coast. I have compiled all my tax docs for the year 2023. I already filed for extension. My tax was delayed due to an accident on the rig and i am just recuperating.
Kindly let me know how to send my documents across or schedule a meeting so we can complete my filing for the year. Also please let us know the tax preparation Fee for late filing
Kindly revert,
Trisha"
Would you fall for this?
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