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WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue this week reminded the public and tax practitioners to beware of phishing scams that involve fraudulent email messages designed to steal sensitive information, such as passwords, user names or personal financial information.
The Internal Revenue Service recently issued a warning about a phishing scam that tried to trick tax professionals into “signing” a new e-Services user agreement.
“We want everyone to be extremely cautious. Don’t click on any email sent by someone you don’t recognize,” Secretary of Revenue Dan Hassell said in an emailed news release. “It’s always a good idea to be especially careful so that sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”
According to the IRS, the scam email claimed to be from “e-Services Registration” and used “Important Update about Your e-Services Account” in the subject line. The email stated, in part, “We are rolling out a new user agreement and all registered users must accept its revised terms to have access to e-Services and its products.”
The email asked the individual to review and accept the agreement but took them to a fake site instead. The IRS encouraged anyone who clicked on the link to perform a deep scan of their computer with security software, or contact the IRS e-Help Desk.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, phishing scams target recipients through fraudulent emails, texts or copycat websites. The goal of scam artists is to get you to share valuable personal information, such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, or log-in identifications and passwords. Scammers use your information to steal your money, your identity or both.
The following are safety tips from the FTC to help keep your resources safe from computer threats that can spread through email:
• Be cautious about opening attachments or clicking on links in emails. Even your friends’ or family members’ accounts could be hacked. Files and links can contain Malware that can weaken your computer’s security.
• Do your own typing. If a company or organization you know sends you a link or phone number, don’t click. Use your favorite search engine to look up the website or phone number yourself. Even though a link or phone number in an email may look like the real deal, scammers can hide the true destination.
• Make the call if you’re not sure. Do not respond to any emails that request personal or financial information. Phishers use pressure tactics and prey on fear. If you think a company, friend or family member really does need personal information from you, pick up the phone and call them.
• Turn on two-factor authentication. For accounts that support it, two-factor authentication requires both your password and an additional piece of information to log in to your account. The second piece could be a code sent to your phone, or a random number generated by an app or a token. This protects your account even if your password is compromised. As an extra precaution, you may want to choose more than one type of second authentication (e.g. a PIN) in case your primary method (such as a phone) is unavailable.
• Back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Back up your files regularly to protect yourself against viruses or a ransom-ware attack.
The Department of Revenue also has a Fraud Investigation Unit dedicated to assisting victims of identity theft and combating tax-refund fraud.
To contact the Fraud Investigation Unit: 717-772-9297 or [email protected].
Cartwright bill to protect
lower-income veterans
U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright’s bipartisan legislation to protect older, low-income veterans from financial scams passed the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
The Veterans Care Financial Protection Act (H.R. 3122) would direct the Department of Veteran Affairs to work with other federal agencies and states to develop and implement standards that protect veterans from predatory practices.
The VA offers an Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefit for veterans who qualify for a VA pension and need financial help with in-home care or assisted living. The A&A application is free, but scam artists have targeted veterans and charged them to obtain these benefits.
With this information, scammers can take hold of the veteran’s assets, and may even move them into an irrevocable trust or an annuity. This movement of assets may also disqualify the veteran from other assistance, such as Medicaid.
“Scam artists are turning the well-deserved A&A benefit into a financial nightmare for those who can least afford it,” Cartwright said in a news release. “There needs to be greater safeguards for our veterans. This bipartisan, commonsense proposal will help protect veterans from financial scams. We owe this to our nation’s heroes.”
Pa. makes bipartisan effort
to attract Amazon’s HQ2
On the eve of the deadline to submit proposals for Amazon’s second headquarters in North America — Amazon HQ2 — Gov. Tom Wolf this week highlighted work to build bipartisan support for a robust effort to attract the company to the commonwealth.
Wolf has spearheaded efforts to promote Pennsylvania as the prime location for the Amazon HQ2 project, launching the Amazon in PA website, which includes joint letters of support from Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, legislative leaders, education advocates, and cabinet officials. Additionally, the commonwealth will submit a state-level proposal to accompany the proposals submitted by Pennsylvania’s communities.
“Pennsylvania continues to lead the way for successful businesses and communities with innovation and imagination. We’ve been here since before our country’s founding, and we’re equipped to support and sustain business for centuries to come,” Wolf said in a news release. “Our location at the geographical center of the East Coast, rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and job-ready workforce has made us a hub for commerce and a leader in technological innovation and education.”
Amazon is expected to invest over $5 billion in construction and create as many as 50,000 high-paying jobs. In addition to direct hiring and investment, construction and ongoing operations are expected to create tens of thousands of additional jobs and tens of billions of dollars in additional investment.
Wolf signs legislation on
experimental treatments
Gov. Tom Wolf this week signed legislation that gives terminally ill patients the right to try experimental treatments, such as investigational drugs, biological products and medical devices, not yet fully approved by the FDA.
Eligible patients are those with a terminal illness attested to by their treating physician and unable to participate in a clinical trial. Patients also have to give full informed consent.
The law also gives health care providers immunity when recommending the use of an investigational product and protects them from professional licensure sanctions. Thirty-seven other states have laws similar to Pennsylvania’s.
The law does not provide for health care coverage for those participating in the experimental treatments, but a manufacturer may elect to provide them to an eligible patient without receiving compensation.
