In my post of January 31, 2019 (The Weakest Link), I pointed out that one of the three major ways scammers use Social Engineering to steal your money is by using fear as a motivator. It’s the reason you always need to stop and think about what you are being told before you act. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a phone call, an email or a pop-up on your computer, don’t allow panic to rule what actions you take.
The IRS this week announced two scams they are seeing a lot of in recent weeks.
- Phone Scam – This scam involves you receiving a pre-recorded message – supposedly from the IRS – threatening to suspend or cancel your Social Security number. (Please note that the IRS NEVER leaves pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages.) If you receive this phone call, simply hang up.
- Email Scam – In this scam, you receive an email claiming that you owe back taxes. The assertion comes from a completely fake agency called the “Bureau of Tax Enforcement.” If you receive this email, just hit “Delete.”
I can’t stress enough the importance of understanding Social Engineering. If you haven’t read my January 31st post, please take 3 minutes and read it now: The Weakest Link.
If you’d like to read the actual IRS warning regarding these two scams, you can find it HERE.