CIS News: Be Wary of Phishing Messages from the IRS and the Social Security Administration

Be Wary of Phishing Messages from the IRS and the Social Security Administration

Posted on February 27, 2006 03:21 PM

It's tax season! However, it's also phishing season - and will be for the foreseeable future!

There are various messages circulating at Brown that look very official and appear to come from the IRS or the Social Security Administration. These messages claim they need you to click on a link to verify your personally identifiable information in order to process your tax return - or they claim you will get an additional amount (due to an error) if you sign in and approve the adjustment for some additional dollars.

Do not take the bait! These messages are clever and while they look official, NEVER EVER provide personal information via email (or by phone) unless you instigate the communication yourself.

Do not click on links. Do not open attachments.

We are also still seeing many phishing messages that look like they come from Paypal or various banks. If you have questions, please contact ITSecurity@Brown.edu - before you make a mistake that could take months or even years to correct! Stay safe.

Visit the Anti-Phishing Working Group web site for more phishing news. Brought to you by ITSecurity.

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CIS News « Software Announcement: Acrobat & S-Plus 7 \| Main \| Underground Rhode Island: Lost and Unknown Stories » Be Wary of Phishing Messages from the IRS and the Social Security Administration Posted on February 27, 2006 03:21 PM It's tax season! However, it's also phishing season - and will be for the foreseeable future! There are various messages circulating at Brown that look very official and appear to come from the IRS or the Social Security Administration. These messages claim they need you to click on a link to verify your personally identifiable information in order to process your tax return - or they claim you will get an additional amount (due to an error) if you sign in and approve the adjustment for some additional dollars. Do not take the bait! These messages are clever and while they look official, NEVER EVER provide personal information via email (or by phone) unless you instigate the communication yourself. Do not click on links. Do not open attachments. We are also still seeing many phishing messages that look like they come from Paypal or various banks. If you have questions, please contact ITSecurity@Brown.edu - before you make a mistake that could take months or even years to correct! Stay safe. Visit the Anti-Phishing Working Group web site for more phishing news. Brought to you by ITSecurity.
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