The internet is a jungle full of predators, and your credit is their prey. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, most cybercrimes committed in 2017 were related to internet shopping. A record 15 million people were victimized by identity fraudsters in 2016. This surge was impelled … [Read more...]
Fraudulent IRS “Collection Calls”
For the third newsletter in a row, we are including some old and some new information on a telephone scam which continues to be a problem, based on the increasing number of calls which we are receiving from our clients. Previously, the calls were made by a “live” person, claiming to represent … [Read more...]
IRS Security Awareness Tax Tips
Following a number of high-profile security scares, the IRS has begun to publish tips for taxpayers to protect personal information from identity theft. One of the most helpful posts is “Seven Steps for Making Identity Protection Part of Your Routine,” published on IRS.gov. Be sure to monitor … [Read more...]
Fraudulent IRS Collection Calls
We continue to receive calls from clients concerning telephone callers identifying themselves as being from the Internal Revenue Service, and demanding checking account or credit card information to pay outstanding tax balances and penalties. The callers are very aggressive, claiming that a warrant … [Read more...]
Fraudulent IRS “Collection Calls”
In our last newsletter, we highlighted a telephone scam where callers, claiming to represent the U.S. Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service, are calling individuals and aggressively demanding immediate payment of “taxes” that are owed. The caller will claim that a warrant is already outstanding … [Read more...]
Check Fraud Protection: Individual and Business Accounts Are Not Treated The Same
Today’s advanced technology makes it easier than ever for criminals to fraudulently replicate your checks. Individuals generally have 30 days from the receipt of their monthly bank statement to notify the bank of suspicious activity in their account. Typically, the bank offers free protection … [Read more...]
Be an Identity Theft Crime Stopper
Put the freeze on your info Not too many years ago, the only people worrying about protecting their identities were Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne. Now it’s a concern for everyone. Unfortunately, identity theft is a multi-billion dollar industry. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 … [Read more...]
Were You “Targeted” in the Recent Hacker Scandal?
A reminder to keep personal and client information secure Soon after word got out about the hacking scandal during the holidays, fraudsters got busy creating fake emails from the affected companies, hoping to get nervous victims to “click the link” and provide their personal information. Now is a … [Read more...]
Low tech mail fraud – alive and kicking!
Beware of “official notices” You’ve long ago learned to trash those overdue notices for magazines you’ve never subscribed to and to ignore those Canadian lottery notifications. Be aware, however, that sophisticated fraudsters have learned the Achilles’ heel of small business owners – notices from … [Read more...]
Don’t let a smile be your umbrella
Reviewing your insurance portfolio may reveal a potential vulnerability Basic home and auto insurance protects assets and covers expenses for run-of-the-mill mishaps. Unfortunately, some tribulations lead to trials. Lawsuit horror stories, where plaintiffs proving negligence turn a car accident … [Read more...]
