Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Couple escapes close call with online tax scam

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Abstract: When Irv was using his smartphone to check his e-mail, he noticed a message purportedly from the IRS. The e-mail solicited not only his Social Security number but also the number of the checking account he and his wife had used to pay their last tax bill. Surprised and a little suspicious, he mentioned the message to their advisor when the couple sat down to discuss some other matters. The advisor confirmed all of their suspicions: It was a scam. Fortunately, no damage had been done, but the advisor warned them about “phishing” and other scams.