b'The Tech Cumulus February 2025. continued from CoverScammers and cybercriminals prey on our fear ofThesescams dont just target individualstheyin the process. While these scammers profit, compliance issues by posing as IRS agents, taxoften go after tax pros and businesses becauseyouare left with the risk of facing IRS scrutiny and software providers or even colleagues in financialthose can give access to loads of valuable data. potential penalties.departments, with urgent messages demanding payment or Social Security numbers. How to prevent it: Never click on links or reply toHow to prevent it: If youre considering claiming unexpected messages claiming to be from the IRS.a Fuel Tax Credit, make sure youre eligible, as It may be only February, but these scammers areIf something feels off, report suspicious e-mailsincorrectly claiming it could lead to serious likely already in your inbox. Take a few minutesto phishing@irs.gov, and aways verify messagesconsequences like fines or criminal charges. to read about these common tax-time scams anddirectly with the IRS through official channels. Always consult a qualified tax professional to what you can do to prevent them. ensure your claims are legitimate.2. Online Account Help1. Phishing And Smishing Scams Scammers are targeting taxpayers byYou Know The Saying: If It Sounds Too Scammers love pretending to be theoffering help setting up an IRS onlineGood To Be True, It Probably IsIRS to get your personal information.account. Their goal is to steal your personal taxMany of these scams are plastered all over the Theyllsend fake e-mails or texts promisingand financial information, which they can then useInternet, often with promises of tax savings that refunds or threatening legal action, hoping youllfor identity theft. These criminals may pretend tosound too good to be true. But the old saying click on their links or share sensitive details.be helpful third parties, tricking you into handingstill rings true: If something seems too good, it over sensitive details like Social Security numbersprobably is. These schemes might look tempting, or IDs, which they can use to file fake tax returnsbut they can land you in hot water with the IRS and steal refunds. and lead to serious legal trouble. This year, make tax season a little less miserable by sticking to How to prevent it: Only create your online accountlegitimate, proven methods. You can also check directly through IRS.gov and avoid any unsolicitedout the IRS Dirty Dozen list with details on all the offers for third-party help. If someone reaches outcommon tax scams and tips on how to stay safe offering to assist, its probably a scam. this tax season.3. Fuel Tax Credit ScamsThe IRS is warning taxpayers aboutTrivia Answer: B. According to the FTC, popular scams pushing Fuel Tax Credit$1.14 billion was lost due to romance claims, which are only available for off-highwayscams, with median losses of $2,000 per business or farming use. Scammers will misleadpersonthe highest reported loss for you by fabricating documents or receipts for fuelany form of impostor scam.to make false claims, often charging hefty fees I DIDNT KNOWUNFORTUNATELY, THAT EXCUSE DOESNT REPLENISH YOUR BANKCartoon Of ACCOUNT, RESOLVE A DATA BREACH OR ERASE ANY FINES AND LAWSUITS.Its coming . TheMonthThat day a hacker steals critical data, rendering your office useless .That day whenyour bank account or credit card is compromised .Or that day whenyour customers private lives are uprooted .Cybercriminals and hackers are constantly inventing NEW ways to infiltrate your company, steal your assets and disrupt your life. The ONLY way to STOP THEM is this:You Must Constantly Educate Yourself On How To Protect Whats Yours!Now, for a limited time, we have the perfect way to help reduce your risk and keep you safe! Simply sign up to receive our FREE Cyber Security Tip of the Week. Well send these byte-sized quick-read tips to your e-mail inbox. Every tip is packed with a unique and up-to-date real-world solution that keeps you one step ahead of the bad guys. And because so few people know about these security secrets, every week youllIf you could fill out the attached survey learn something new!that would really help me out.Get your FREE Cyber Security Tip of the Week at Kloud9IT.com/weeklysecuritytipTechnology That Works!216-393-24842'