Security Update: Staying Vigilant During
Tax Season and Beyond
As part of our ongoing commitment to protecting you and your financial well-being, we’d like to share a few important security reminders for the month. Fraud tactics continue to evolve, making awareness and vigilance some of the most effective tools for prevention.
Tax Season: A Prime Time for Fraud
Tax season often brings an increase in fraudulent activity. Scammers frequently pose as the IRS or other official entities, sending emails or text messages that request personal or financial information.
Please keep in mind:
- The IRS does not initiate contact via email or text message
- Messages that create urgency around refunds, penalties, or account verification should be treated with caution
- Never click on suspicious links or provide sensitive information without verifying the source
If you receive an unexpected message related to your taxes, it’s best to pause and confirm its legitimacy before taking any action.
Wire Fraud: Simple Steps to Protect Your Transactions
We are also seeing continued elevated risks related to wire fraud. These scams can be highly sophisticated, but a few simple precautions can help prevent significant losses:
- Always verify wire instructions verbally using a known, trusted phone number
- Never rely solely on email for changes to payment instructions
- Be cautious of last-minute or urgent requests, particularly for international wires
- When in doubt, pause the transaction and escalate for further review
Taking an extra moment to verify details can make all the difference.
Watch for Common Scam Tactics
Fraudsters use a variety of methods to gain access to sensitive information. Please remain alert to:
- Text message scams (such as delivery alerts or bank notifications) that include links
- QR codes that redirect to fraudulent or lookalike websites
- Unexpected emails with attachments or requests for confidential information
When in Doubt, Verify
A good rule of thumb: if something feels urgent, unusual, or too good to be true, take a moment to verify before responding or taking action.
Protecting your security is a shared priority, and we appreciate your continued vigilance. If you ever have concerns or would like a second opinion, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.