On July 11, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States issued a reminder to car dealers and sellers to be vigilant against the evolving threats of phishing scams and smishing scams, which could potentially disrupt business operations.
Given the recent ransomware attacks targeting car dealers, the IRS urges individuals and businesses to stay alert against such threats. Scammers and identity thieves attempt to lure recipients into clicking on suspicious links, providing personal and financial information, or downloading malicious software onto their computers.
These scammers spare no effort in trying to obtain sensitive financial and personal information, with impersonation of the IRS remaining one of their most common tactics. The IRS advises car dealers to exercise extra caution with unsolicited messages and to avoid clicking on any links in emails or texts from unknown sources.
The IRS continues to uncover a significant number of email and text scams targeting businesses and individual taxpayers. The IRS, along with security summit partners, reminds taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals to be wary of various scams and frauds. Companies like car dealerships should remain vigilant against targeted email and text scams aimed at disrupting their computer systems.
These businesses should be wary of fraudulent communications posing as legitimate organizations. These messages, delivered in the form of unsolicited texts or emails, aim to entice unsuspecting victims into providing valuable information, leading to identity theft or the installation of malicious software on their computer systems.
• Phishing:
Scammers send emails claiming to be from legitimate sources, using various tactics to lure victims into fraudulent schemes, such as coaxing victims into providing sensitive information.
• Smishing:
Through text messages or smartphone messages, scammers often use alarming language such as “Your account has been suspended” or “Report of unusual activity,” accompanied by false “solution” links to restore the recipient’s account.
Avoid clicking on any communication from unknown sources, as it could secretly load malicious software. This could also be a way for malicious hackers to load ransomware, thereby preventing legitimate users from accessing their systems and files.
In some cases, phishing emails may appear to come from legitimate senders or organizations whose email account credentials have been stolen. Setting up two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication with email providers can reduce the risk of personal email accounts being compromised.
Impersonating trusted organizations, friends, or family members remains a common tactic in various scams targeting individuals and businesses. Individuals and businesses should verify the sender’s identity using alternative means of communication, such as dialing an accurate number known only to them, rather than the number provided in emails or texts.
• Do not respond to phishing emails or smishing messages or click on URLs.
• Do not open any attachments as they may contain malicious code that could infect your computer or mobile device.
• Do not click on any links. If a taxpayer unintentionally clicks on a suspicious email or website link and enters confidential information, please visit the IRS Identity Protection page.
• Forward the complete email with its header intact to [email protected], do not send a screenshot or scanned image as it may erase valuable information.
• Delete the original email.