What type of scam is being attempted here?
To give you some background, I’m a CPA specializing in the real estate sector, not public Accounting, and I don’t have a public email address listed anywhere—plus, my company has no connection to tax preparation.
Every year around this time, I receive several emails to my work account that look something like this:
“Hello,
I hope you are doing well. I’m reaching out to inquire about your services for both individual and business tax returns for the year 2024. I’m eager to collaborate with you to effectively manage my tax obligations.
I can provide my tax return from the previous year, along with my current tax documents, for your review. Could you also send me a quote for your services?
Best regards,
Jessica Tourville”
While sometimes the language is a bit off, the message typically follows this pattern. It’s clear this is some sort of scam attempt, but what exactly is their angle? Do any of you also get similar emails during tax season?
One response
It sounds like you’re encountering a classic phishing attempt or scam that preys on professionals in the Accounting and tax preparation industry. Here are a few potential red flags and what the scammers might be trying to achieve:
Phishing for Personal Information: The email could be a way to extract personal or sensitive information from you. Scammers often use seemingly legitimate inquiries to get accountants or tax preparers to provide their personal or financial information, which they can then misuse.
Malware Injections: If you respond to the email or receive attachments with “tax documents,” they might contain malware. This could compromise your computer and network security, allowing the scammer to gain access to sensitive information.
Fake Client or Fake Payment Situations: Sometimes, scammers will pose as clients and create elaborate schemes involving fake payments (like checks that don’t clear). They could ask you to process a payment upfront or send them money, claiming it’s for expenses related to their tax returns.
Fraudulent Tax Preparation: The email may be a bait to engage you in fraudulent activities, potentially setting you up for liabilities down the line. For instance, if they provide false documents, you could unintentionally become part of a scam.
You’re not alone; many professionals in finance and Accounting receive similar inquiries, especially as tax season approaches. It’s a good practice to ignore such unsolicited emails, refrain from engaging with them, and report them as spam if necessary. Always verify the legitimacy of any correspondence before sharing any information or taking action.