Tax season is typically the most vulnerable time for organizations when it comes to the potential of being scammed. Cyber criminals continue to use ever changing technology to push the limits regarding identity theft, data breaches, compromising business emails and engaging in business email spoofing scams.
The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is warning about phishing emails involving payroll direct deposits, wire transfers, Form W-2 scams, among other fraudulent activity. Additionally, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) warns about recent scams involving social security numbers. This criminal activity can present itself in many forms, including impersonations of a company representative, employee or executive “sent by” email correspondence or by phone. These communications are typically requesting personal or financial information.
If you receive a suspicious email communication, it is important to take swift action, which may include one (1) or more of the following steps:
Read the communication carefully and be on the lookout for grammatical and spelling errors. Most fraudulent communication will contain these errors.
Should an employer be threatened by a potential Social Security scam, the employer should report the activity to SSA by calling 1-800-269-0271 or by submitting an online report at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
The top source of security incidents is the employee workforce. Therefore, it is critical that all employees know how to recognize data breaches or fraudulent activity, and, feel comfortable bringing those concerns forward.
For more tips on how to address scam situations, please contact HR Partners at 785-233-7860. In addition, we would be pleased to assist you with any other HR matter your business may need guidance with.
Robert A. Shively, CAE, CFRE
Executive Director
Kansas Masonic Foundation
"When I joined the Kansas Masonic Foundation as their Executive Director four years ago I knew that as a small organization I needed professional human resources advice from an outside advisor.
Being an organization of only five staff members, it was impossible to provide the level of ongoing consultation needed internally.
I interviewed a number of agencies and immediately realized when I interviewed HR Partners that the talent and expertise they had on staff would be a perfect team for our organization. I especially appreciated the 'legal' help and advice they could provide as well. I am thoroughly satisfied with our partnership and am confident it will last for many years to come!"