Skip to Main Content
Doing More Today
  • News
  • Community
    • Community Engagement
    • Small Business
    • Economic Development
    • What a Difference a Day Makes
    • Share the Good
  • Insights & Innovation
    • Economic Commentary
    • Insights
    • Innovation
  • Financial Wellness
    • Financial Wellness
    • Fraud Prevention
  • See the Good
    • Culture
    • Good Company
    • Good Towns
    • Good Pets
    • Ecards
    • Recipes
    • Riding Forward
Subscribe Now Visit @RegionsNews on Twitter
Regions Bank

Regions Bank: Doing More Today: Good stories. Better insights. More possibilities.

Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share via Email
Subscribe
man looking at computer
Category: Fraud Prevention

Tax Fraud: Don’t Fall Victim to Impostors

As the filing deadline approaches, take extra steps to keep your information safe.

By Doug Segrest | April 2, 2021

Tax season can be a stressful time for anyone. Just don’t let scammers add to your anxiety.

Like any year, you need to keep personal information safe by being aware of the latest scams. And those include fraudsters impersonating the IRS or other officials through texts, emails or phone calls.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a ripe environment for fraudsters,” said Jeff Taylor, head of commercial fraud forensics for Regions Bank. “They continue to attempt to acquire personal information and proprietary business data through email, telephone, texts and U.S. mail. Be on your guard and validate any request for your information.”

Here are some suggestions to protect yourself:

Email Scams

If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS requesting W-2s or other tax related information:

  • Don’t reply
  • Don’t open any attachments or links, as they may contain malicious malware code that can infect your computer or mobile phone
  • Forward the full email to the IRS at [email protected]
  • Delete the original email

If Your Business Becomes a Victim of a W-2 Scam

If you become aware of a compromise:

  • Email the IRS at [email protected] and send the full email to [email protected]
  • Email the Federation of Tax Administrators at [email protected] to learn how to file a report
  • Notify employees of the compromise so they may take steps to protect themselves 

Stay on Top of Business Emails

Many of these fraud events begin with a business email compromise. The fraudster generates an email from a spoofed email address that looks like it comes from a legitimate sender. Keep in mind:

  • It’s good practice to not act on any email requesting sensitive information such as account numbers, changes to payment terms, or other tax-related information. Validate the request by calling a number related to the sender in question, not the number included in the email
  • Establish internal controls that govern the distribution of any tax-related documents or information 

Want more information, or have questions?

For more best practices regarding fraud prevention, please visit regions.com/stopfraud or regions.com/fraudprevention. If you believe that you are a victim of fraud, or if you have received a suspicious alert or communication, please call your bank. For Regions customers, call Regions Client Services immediately at 1-800-787-3905.

 

The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud.

Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share via Email
Subscribe

Trending Articles

  • 1.

    5 Tips to Send P2P Payments Safely

  • 2.

    Regions Bank Continues Celebration of Black History Through the Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

  • 3.

    Mission Mortgage: Marine Credits Regions Mortgage Banker With New Home

  • 4.

    March 2023 | Economic Commentary

  • 5.

    Regions Bank Earns Top Marks for Customer Satisfaction in Florida from J.D. Power

Related Articles

bank acocunt fraud example
Category: Fraud Prevention

Bank Account Fraud: A New Look for an Old Scam

Photos of Carolyn Pierce and Clarksville, Tennessee
Category: News

A Cornerstone Career

illustration of a laptop and two phones. The first phone...
Category: Fraud Prevention

3 Scams to Look For in 2023

Business Fraud Graphic
Category: Fraud Prevention

Business Fraud: Trust Your Gut

illustration of two different hands holding phones. the phone on...
Category: Fraud Prevention

5 Tips to Send P2P Payments Safely

Read Across America Week - Bill Bateman
Category: Community Engagement

Turn the Page

  • Attiring and Inspiring
  • Mission Mortgage: Marine Credits Regions Mortgage Banker With New Home
  • Fraud Prevention Reminders for Turbulent Times
  • Building a Career in Equipment Finance
Regions.com | About Regions | Investor Relations | Privacy & Security | Website Terms of Use | Contact Regions
© 2023 Regions Bank Member FDIC |
All Rights Reserved | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | Online Privacy