By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News

(CHICAGO) — With tax filing day right around the corner – the Better Business Bureau is warning of a new round of e-mail phishing scams.

A new sophisticated tax phishing scam has been spotted by IBM’s X-Force. In emails, the scam deploys a banking Trojan to steal banking credentials and misdirect victims into visiting malicious websites. These malware campaigns send out phishing emails that appear to be coming from accounting, tax and payroll services. Spoofed companies include popular payroll providers Paychex and ADP.

Steve Bernas, president of the BBB serving Chicago – says it’s also prime time for robo calls especially imposters claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security or the Treasury Department. He says the IRS will never call you without first sending a correspondence by traditional mail..

In 2018 BBB Scam Tracker received 3,400 tax-related scam reports with the median loss reported of $950. Consumers reported the number one means of contact for these scams was via phone.

Part of the problem is technology, computerized auto-dialing allows for the billions of robocalls to be made each month and spoofing allows them to more easily look like the actual government agency is phoning you on your Caller ID.

For calls– Hang up. The IRS does not contact taxpayers by phone to demand payment. And would never ask that it be sent via wire transfer or pre-paid debit card.

For emails– Delete it. Like calls, the IRS will not send an email. All contact is via the U.S. Postal Service.

If you know or suspect you may be the victim of tax ID theft but haven’t received a letter, call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit on 800-908-4490.

For more information on BBB Scam Tips visit: BBB.org/TaxScams.

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