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..
American Dreams discusses many topics from some of the world’s most successful individuals about their secrets to life’s success. Topics from guest have included:
Creating purpose in life / Building a foundation for their life / Solving problems / Finding fulfillment through philanthropy and service / Becoming self-reliant / Enhancing effective leadership / Balancing family and work…
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.
Request Telephone Tax Refund By Amending Your Return
Request Telephone Tax Refund By Amending Your Return Maybe you filed your federal tax return, received a refund and even spent the last penny before realizing that you missed out on a one time opportunity to request the Telephone Excise Tax Refund! Luckily, some opportunities do call twice. You can still request the telephone tax…
Tax Saving Strategies For Business Owners
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Tax Saving Strategies For Business Owners 1. Did you know you can use your previously funded IRA to fund the current year’s deductible contributions? Well, you can. If you don’t have enough cash to make a deductible contribution to your IRA by April 15th, here is how you can still take the tax deduction.…
Credit Default Swaps – Impose A Tax On Bogus Insurance
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Credit Default Swaps – Impose A Tax On Bogus Insurance By Ron Cohen, CPA, MST Partner Greenstein, Rogoff, Olsen & Co., LLP Proposal to amend the U.S. Internal Revenue Code: Any Seller, Buyer or Insured Party who enters into a Credit Default Swap (“CDS”) contract insuring U.S. source risks will be subject to an excise…
Income Tax Deferral Strategies for Real Estate Investors
Income Tax Deferral Strategies for Real Estate Investors There are a number of significant income tax benefits that are often overlooked by real estate investors that could allow them to defer or exclude some or all of their income tax liabilities on the sale or disposition of their real estate tax deferral assets. It is…