WASHINGTON, D.C.-While millions of Americans will be looking for good deals this Cyber Monday the IRS is warning consumers against scams targeting personal information.
Cyber Monday coincides with the ninth Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, which runs Dec. 2-6.
“Taxpayers should use extra caution this holiday season to protect their valuable personal and financial information, whether shopping online or clicking on links in email and other messages,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.
The IRS is warning consumers to be vigilant against disclosing their addresses, Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers or passwords, which can lead to tax-related identity theft and fraud.
According to the IRS, scammers are using increasingly sophisticated phishing emails and related attacks on consumers to gain access to their confidential tax and financial information.
Online safety tips from the IRS.
Only shop at online sites that begin with “https” and look for the padlock logo in the browser window.Don’t shop on unsecured public Wi-Fi.Make sure the security software on your computer, phone or tablet is up-to-date before shopping.Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.Use multi-factor authentication when available.
“Identity thieves and tax scammers are shrewd and take advantage of what is on people’s minds, particularly during busy times of the year like the holidays,” said Werfel. “Remember, don’t click on anything unknown, even if you just ordered gifts and you’re expecting packages to come to your door soon.”
Tax Security Awareness Week is part of the Security Summit Initiative, a joint venture between the IRS, states and the tax industry to help protect against identity theft.
