3 Common Accounting Scams
Scams are everywhere this tax season so be on the lookout! Here are 3 common scams to be on the lookout for in order to keep your tax season hassle free.
Fake Invoice Attachments
If you receive an invoice that you weren’t expecting from someone you do not recognize, do not click on any links within the invoice. Opening any of these invoice attachments can open your system up to malware installation on your computer. Make sure that you’re first able to verify the source of the invoice before opening it.
False Payment Changes
This scam comes in the form of an email that looks like it was sent by a vendor that you work with. The email is notifying you that the vendor’s bank account information has changed and that you will need to send future payments to the updated payment account. This is false! If a payment change has occurred, always verify this via a phone call with your vendor before making your next payment.
Fake Support Phone Calls
This last scam is mostly done over the phone. The call looks like it is coming from your payroll provider offering to support for an issue that has come up or support in helping to recover some lost data. They will ask you to verify your bank information over the phone so that they may be better equipped to help you. Once they have your bank information, it’s all over and now you must start closing accounts. Just remember, you’ll never want to give out your bank information over the phone.
The most important lesson to be learned in all of these scams is to verify and triple verify the source. Let any request or change of banking information be a red flag to verify before proceeding. Make sure all email addresses are coming from the actual businesses and all phone numbers are the ones listed on the official website. Be sure to keep your financials safe this tax season!
Meet Jocelyn
Hi! I am the bookkeeper behind J Ricketts Bookkeeping, LLC. Based in Monroe, GA, I get to enjoy working remotely and growing my virtual bookkeeping business. By working with a virtual CPA firm for years as an office manager and bookkeeper, I can say that I have found what I love to do - BOOKKEEPING! I am a certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor with bookkeeping experience in a extensive variety of industries while specializing in e-commerce and service industries.
