Protecting Yourself from Scams and Fraudulent Communications

At SouthHouse CPA, we take your security seriously. Unfortunately, scams targeting taxpayers and business owners have become increasingly sophisticated. Below are some practical tips and real-world examples to help you recognize and avoid fraudulent communications.

 

1. The IRS Will Never Call, Email, or Text You First

 

The IRS initiates contact only through official mail via the U.S. Postal Service.


If you receive a phone call, text, or email claiming to be from the IRS—especially one demanding immediate payment or creating a sense of urgency—it is almost certainly a scam.

 

Never send money to the IRS (or anyone claiming to represent them) using Western Union, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods.


If you receive a suspicious notice, forward it to me. I’ve reviewed countless legitimate IRS communications and can quickly confirm whether something is genuine or fraudulent.

 

2. General Cybersecurity Best Practices

Protecting your personal and financial information begins with good digital habits:

 

Use unique, strong passwords for all accounts.

 

Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

 

Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails—navigate directly to the official website instead.

 

Be cautious with attachments. Only open attachments you were expecting from known contacts. Remember that email addresses can be spoofed.

 

If you ever receive an unexpected attachment from me or anyone else, call or text to confirm before opening it.

 

3. Common Business-Related Scams

When you register a new business, your filing becomes public record. Scammers often monitor these filings and send official-looking letters to new business owners.

 

These letters may use state symbols, official fonts, or words like “compliance” or “regulations” to appear legitimate. For example, a letter might come from an organization such as “PCI – Customer Compliance Department”, with an urgent tone and a request for payment.

 

A common example is an offer to sell you “required employee posters” for a fee—often around $25. While it’s true that certain workplace posters are required, you can download all official federal posters for free from the U.S. Department of Labor at dol.gov/general/topics/posters. Most state labor departments also provide free, printable versions of state-specific posters.

 

Responding to one of these mailings may seem harmless, but over time, repeatedly paying small, unnecessary fees adds up.

 

4. The Modern “Inheritance” Scam

Another recent variation of the classic “Nigerian prince” scheme comes as a well-written email or letter claiming to offer you a share of an unclaimed inheritance.

 

These messages often appear credible—they may use correct grammar, reference real addresses or banks, and even include your last name in the text. However, the substance of the message is implausible: no executive at a legitimate bank would propose to split a stranger’s inheritance.

 

No matter how polished the correspondence appears, if it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

 

In Summary

 

  • Be skeptical.
  • Be safe.
  • Practice good online hygiene.
  • When in doubt, verify before acting.

 

If you receive any communication that appears to be from the IRS or a state compliance agency, please reach out to me or another trusted professional before responding. Together, we can ensure your information—and your peace of mind—remain secure.