IRS Warns of New Wave of Cyber Attacks that Aim to Take Over Tax Preparers Computers

The IRS has posted a news release (IR-2016-119) to warn tax preparers of a new wave of attacks that allow identity thieves to file fraudulent tax returns by remotely taking over a tax preparer’s computer system.

These cyber-attacks are taking place using remote technology which allows the identity thieves to gain access to a tax preparer’s computer system, access client data, complete and e-file tax returns, then direct the refunds to the criminal’s own bank accounts. The IRS is aware of approximately two dozen cases where tax preparers have recently been victimized.

The victims learned of these thefts while they were reconciling their e-file acknowledgements.

See IRS News Release IR-2016-119 (dated September 2, 2016) for more details on these attacks and what measures tax preparers should take to protect their computer systems.

Also see the IRS Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself webpage for more information how preparers can help fight identity theft and protect their customer tax return data and their computer systems.