So Just How Did Those Scammers Break Into the IRS Website?

In early June, the IRS announced to the public that it had allowed thieves to steal the private information of thousands of taxpayers. According to those reports, the thieves accessed the information through the IRS’s online “Get Transcript” website and then used it to file fraudulent tax returns to the tune of about $50 million before the breach was discovered. At the time of those first reports, the IRS failed to give an explanation as to how it happened. The Nation’s top tax agency stated that the scammers were not amateurs and that was about it.

While there have still been no definite reports as to how the breach occurred, there are some, including the chairman of Credit.com, who have their theories. One real possibility is that the scammers used the so-called “Dark Web” to purchase the necessary personal identifiable information (PII) in order to cut through the IRS’s security measures. The Dark Web is where criminals buy and sell PII, regularly.

Another possibility of the breach is simply taxpayers themselves. Scammers and con artists use many measures to trick people into revealing their important PII. Another real threat comes from social media use. Without really considering the possible consequences, people reveal a lot of details about their lives on social media. If you share the right information the wrong people can get a hold of that and use it against you.

One other possibility is that it was an inside job. Although that scenario is unlikely, the possibility that the scammers had someone on the inside that helped them access the PII does exist. It’s very likely that the thieves might never be caught and the IRS might not ever know how they got in. However, one thing is sure; the IRS has to make sure they don’t allow this type of breach again.

We hope you found this article about “Just How did those Scammers Break into the IRS Website.” helpful. If you need expert tax or family office advice that’s refreshingly objective (we never sell investments), please contact us or visit our Family office page  or our website at www.GROCO.com.  Unfortunately, we no longer give advice to other tax professionals gratis.

To receive our free newsletter, contact us here.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more updates.

Alan Olsen, is the Host of the American Dreams Show and the Managing Partner of GROCO.com.  GROCO is a premier family office and tax advisory firm located in the San Francisco Bay area serving clients all over the world.

Alan L. Olsen, CPA, Wikipedia Bio

GROCO.com is a proud sponsor of The American Dreams Show.

The American Dreams show was the brainchild of Alan Olsen, CPA, MBA. It was originally created to fill a specific need; often inexperienced entrepreneurs lacked basic information about raising capital and how to successfully start a business.

Alan sincerely wanted to respond to the many requests from aspiring entrepreneurs asking for the information and introductions they needed. But he had to find a way to help in which his venture capital clients and friends would not mind.

The American Dreams show became the solution, first as a radio show and now with YouTube videos as well. Always respectful of interview guest’s time, he’s able to give access to individuals information and inspiration previously inaccessible to the first-time entrepreneurs who need it most.

They can listen to venture capitalists and successful business people explain first-hand, how they got to where they are, how to start a company, how to overcome challenges, how they see the future evolving, opportunities, work-life balance and so much more..

MyPaths.com (Also sponsored by GROCO) provides free access to content and world-class entrepreneurs, influencers and thought leaders’ personal success stories. To help you find your path in life to true, sustainable success & happiness.  It’s mission statement:

In an increasingly complex and difficult world, we hope to help you find your personal path in life and build a strong foundation by learning how others found success and happiness. True and sustainable success and happiness are different for each one of us but possible, often despite significant challenges.

Our mission at MyPaths.com is to provide resources and firsthand accounts of how others found their paths in life, so you can do the same.