• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Haole Boy Computers

Call 808-377-4222

Local Friendly Computer Help

  • Home
  • Pricing
  • About
  • Picks
  • Computer Security Tips
  • Contact

February 17, 2012 By Haole Boy

Tax Time Identity Theft

Aloha Kakou,

It’s tax time, and here’s a tax tip you might not know about: The scammers LOVE tax  season! How can this be? Here’s a way that they exploit you for their profit. So be warned and be aware.

I’ve been getting emails (supposedly) from Intuit, the publisher of the very popular Turbo Tax program. This email looks like this (I’ve de-activated the links so that no one can click on it):

============

Dear Sir/Madam,

With a view to ensure that correct data is being kept up on our systems, as well as to be able to give you better quality of service; INTUIT INC. has participated in the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] Name and TIN Matching Program.

It appears that your name and/or Employer Identification Number, that we have on your account does not match the data on file with the IRS and/or SSA.

In order to verify the information on your account, please enter the site.

Yours sincerely,
INTUIT INC.

Corporate Headquarters
2632 Marine Way
Mountain View, CA 94043

============

The (fake) return address of this email is ‘admin@quickbooks.com’. Quickbooks is an Intuit product, so some folks might start to believe that this email is “real”. But what happens if you click on the link? It takes you to a site where nothing good can happen. The link in my copy of the email has already been taken down, but usually links like this point to sites that try to trick you into giving them personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN). The bad guys might also try to download malicious software (malware) onto your computer from the site.

So, what can the bad guys do with your SSN? Here’s something that may surprise you: they file a tax return! Yep, that’s right they file a tax return with your name and SSN, and it shows a refund is due. Of course, the info provided to the IRS on where to send the refund points to the bad guy’s checking account. You won’t find out about this until the IRS notifies you at some later time about either filing a duplicate return, or having unreported income. By this time the scumbags have fled to parts unknown.

This is why the bad guys love tax season. Just another way to make money off of other people. Just remember that the IRS does not contact people via email, and Intuit does not keep track of your SSN either. For more info about identity theft and tax fraud, check out this report by the Government Accounting Office.

Malama Pono,

Da Haole Boy

Filed Under: Computer Security Tips, Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar

Computer Repair Hawaii
Virus Removal Kailua, Oahu

Get quick computer help from a local expert with patience and repair knowledge.

Check out my TV commercial
Testimonials
"For decades I did my own computer repairs and troubleshooting or dealt with computer firms with large advertising budgets. I tired of repeat visits to companies that failed to completely resolve my problems.
I contacted Haole Boy and I am glad I did. His service was prompt, complete and way below the rates of those I had used in the past. You have got to put this guy on your first and only call list when it comes to dealing with your computer challenges."
Don J. - Hawaii Kai
"The first time I called "Haole Boy" Computer Services, I was amazed with his speedy return call. He asked some questions about my problem . . . He made an appointment to come over that afternoon!
I was pleasantly surprised with his affordable rates, professional demeanor, and very comfortable personality to have in my home office. I highly recommend Harry Zisko and his excellent quality service for all your computer problems. I'm sure you'll be glad you did!"
T. Worth
“I highly recommend Harry because he has saved me from disaster several times. He works quickly and efficiently but takes the time to explain what he is doing and why. Best of all, he makes it all understandable to computer neophytes like me.”
- Lee S.
Keep your computer secure and running smooth. Join my newsletter for tips and free guidance.

Copyright © 2023 Haole Boy Computers

Cleantalk Pixel