The IRS, in collaboration with state tax agencies and the tax industry, launched the 8th National Tax Security Awareness Week on Cyber Monday. It educates taxpayers and professionals on safeguarding personal information, crucial during the active holiday identity theft period.
Highlighted Points:
1. **Online Shopping Security:**
- Use secure web addresses ("https") and check for the padlock icon.
- Avoid shopping on unsecured public Wi-Fi.
- Keep device security software updated.
- Employ strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
2. **Advice for Tax Pros, Businesses, and Individuals:**
- Separate personal and business devices/accounts.
- Refrain from conducting business on personal devices.
- Regularly change passwords and consider password management tools.
- Beware of common identity theft schemes like phishing emails promising refunds or 'fixing' tax issues.
3. **Scams to Be Wary Of:**
- Watch for emails/texts claiming tax refunds or tax return issues with suspicious links.
- Avoid sellers accepting payments solely via untraceable methods (gift cards, money transfers, cryptocurrency).
4. **Further Assistance Resources:**
- Taxpayers: Follow IRS social media for scam updates.
- Tax pros: Access security guides from the IRS and NIST.
The initiative underscores vigilance against scams and stresses implementing robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information during the holiday and tax seasons.
