DON'T GET HOOKED BY A PHISHING SCAM

This year, the IRS ranked email phishing schemes as a top tax scam to make the yearly Dirty Dozen list. This type of scam targets taxpayers as well as tax professionals by using fake emails and bogus websites to collect sensitive taxpayer information.

The best way to avoid scams now and throughout the year is to keep in mind that the IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers via email, phone or text to request personal or financial information. If you get unsolicited email from what appears to be the IRS or an organization related to the IRS, report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov.

IS YOUR BUSINESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO PAYROLL FRAUD?

Although you may not want to hear it, all businesses can be hit with payroll fraud. Find out how it happens and what you can do about it.

IS THERE A REAL IRS AGENT AT MY DOORSTEP?

If an IRS agent makes an in-person visit to your home or business and it feels a little off, ask for credentials.

All real IRS agents should carry two forms of identification showing that they're legit – a personal identity verification card and a pocket commission card.  Regardless of how an agent is contacting you, always ask for his/her name, badge number, and phone number and call the IRS at 1-800-366-4484 to confirm the agent is a true employee.

YOUR SUDDENLY DEAD MOBILE PHONE MAY BE A SIGN OF FRAUD

According to the Federal Trade Commission, in a growing type of fraud known as a "SIM swap" scam, fraudsters take over your mobile account in order to steal your identity. The SIM, or subscriber identity module, card in your phone is the memory chip that stores information identifying the phone to a network. Thieves contact your phone company, claiming to be you, and request activation of a new SIM card with your existing phone number. Your phone goes dead, and the thief can then intercept phone calls and text messages that allow access to financial accounts. As a safeguard, consider adding a password that must be activated before your phone account can be changed.