IRS Issued an Urgent Warning

IRS Issued an Urgent Warning on Phishing Attack

30October,2017
By Hoffman Brown Insurance | | No Comments
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The IRS warns against an IRS/FBI-themed phishing attack.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released a statement, warning members of the public against a new, ransomware phishing attack. This cyber-attack takes control of computer data, putting many individuals and companies at risk.

The IRS explains, “The scam email uses the emblems of both the IRS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It tries to entice users to select a “here” link to download a fake FBI questionnaire. Instead, the link downloads a certain type of malware called ransomware that prevents users from accessing data stored on their device unless they pay money to the scammers.”

It is important to remain vigilant against these email scams and always think before opening and clicking on unexpected emails. The IRS Commissioner, John Koskinen, confirms that “people with a tax issue won’t get their first contact from the IRS with a threatening email or phone call.”

It is suggested that individuals alert their friends and family and businesses send employees an email about this ransomware attack.

If you or a friend have fallen victim to this email, the IRS urges victims to not pay the ransom as this encourages the criminals. Victims should immediately report any ransomware attempt or attack to the FBI at the Internet Complaint Center (IC3) and forward any IRS-themed scams to [email protected].

Contact Hoffman Brown Company with all of your questions about Cyber Liability Protection, our team is happy to assist with a policy review and/or a quotation for coverage.

COVID-19 Update:

The Coronavirus, officially COVID-19, has become a global health emergency. One of the measures Hoffman Brown Company has taken to keep our CLIENTS and Teammates safe was to design a complete virtual work environment. For the foreseeable future, our colleagues will be conducting business virtually to avoid any disruption in our ability to serve you. These measures are based on the CDC’s guidance and will evolve with the situation. Please know that we are fully functional, available and look forward to being of service.