(NAPSA)—Although the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reports a 400 percent surge in phishing and malware incidents during the 2016 tax season, there are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself. Here are nine hints that can help: 1. Beware of IRS Impersonators. Some crookscall taxpayers to say they mustsettle their “tax bill.” These are fake calls and often demand paymenton prepaid debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers. Also, students should know there's no “Federal Student ‘Tax.’ If you get any unexpectedcalls, e-mails, letters or texts from someoneclaiming to be from the IRS, remember, the IRS never calls to demand immediate payment using a specific method norwill it threaten you with local law enforcement. 2. Understand and Use Security Software. Security software helps protect computers against digital threats online. Generally, the operating system will includesecurity software or you can access free security software from well-known companies or Internet providers. Essen- tial tools include a firewall, virus and malware protection, and file encryption. Don't buy security software offered as an unexpected pop-up ad on your computer or e-mail. It’s likely from a scammer. 3. Let Security Software Update Automatically. Malware—malicious soft- ware—evolves constantly and yoursecurity software suite updates routinely to keep pace. 4. Look for the “S” When shopping or banking online, see that the site uses encryption to protect your information. Lookfor “https” at the beginning of the Web address. ‘The “s” is for secure. Additionally, make sure the https carries through onall pages, not just the signon page. 5. Use Strong Passwords. Use pass- words of eight or more characters, mixing letters, numbers and special characters. Don't use your name, birth date or common words. Don't use the same password for several accounts. Keep your passwordlist in a secure place or use a password manager. Don’t share passwords with anyone. Calls, texts or e-mails pretendingto be from legitimate companies or the IRS asking to update accounts or seeking personal financial information are almost always scams. 6.Secure Wireless Networks. A wireless network sendsa signal through the air that lets it connect to the Internet. If your home or business Wi-Fi is unsecured, it also lets any computer within range access your wireless and liad You can save money and trouble if you follow professional advice and your own good sense when taking care of taxes. potentially steal information from your computer. Criminals can also use your wireless to send spam or commit crimes that would be traced back to you. Always encrypt your wireless. Generally, you must turn on this feature and create a password. 7. Be Cautious When Using Public Wireless Networks. Public Wi-Fi hot spots are convenient but often not secure. Tax or financial information you send through websites or mobile apps may be accessed by someoneelse. If a public Wi-Fi hot spot doesn’t require a password,it’s probably notsecure. 8. Avoid E-mail Phishing Attempts. Never reply to e-mails, texts or pop-up messages asking for personal, tax or financial information. One commontrick by criminals is to impersonate a business such as your financial institution, tax software provider or the IRS, asking you to update your account and providinga link. They askfor Social Security numbers and other personal information, which could be usedto file false tax returns. ‘The sites mayalso infect your computer. Neverclick on links even if they seem to be from organizations youtrust. Go directly to the organization’s website. Legitimate businesses don't ask you to send sensitive information through unsecured channels. 9. Get Professional Advice. To make sure you can take advantage ofall allowable tax-deferred savings, tax credits and deductions without risk, consult with a licensed tax professional, such as an enrolled agent (EA). EAs are the only federally licensed tax professionals with unlimited rights of representation before the IRS. EAs abide by a code of ethics and must complete many hours of continuing education each year to ensure they are up-to-date on the constantly changing tax code. To find one nearby, visit the searchable “Find a tax expert” directory at www.EAtax.org.
