Internet Security During Tax Season ; Simple tips for avoiding tax scams

BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the heightof tax season approaches, it's important for all filers to bevigilant about avoiding tax scams. The problem, however, is thatmany of the sites fraudsters use look like those created andmaintained by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other taxauthorities. Fortunately, with the right Internet security softwareand a few simple tips, you can avoid the traps set by these"phishers" and keep the season's tax refund scams at bay.

To get the phishing protection you need during tax season - andthroughout the year - you should install Internet security softwarethat checks for phishing and malicious websites before you visitthem. Phishing scams are often carried out via email, so it isimportant to have anti-spam protection as well. Use Internetsecurity software with automatic updates to help you stay protectedfrom the latest spyware, viruses, Trojans, keyloggers, worms androotkits.

In addition to getting up-to-the minute protection by way of yourInternet security software, maintaining safe online practices is animportant part of avoiding tax scams. Just a few of the tell-talesigns that a seemingly legitimate tax site or email message isreally the handiwork of phishers include:

Messages contain dire warnings or extreme promises of a largerefund

Note: If you receive an email message or IM containing such amessage, don't reply to the sender, don't email any sensitiveinformation, and don't follow any link contained within the message

The site promises to automatically transfer a tax refund to yourbank account after you provide your banking information, credit cardnumber and/or other personal details.

The site's URL doesn't begin with http://www.irs.gov or anothertax authority's primary URL name, and instead looks something likehttp://41.208.130.97/www.irs.gov/www.irs.gov/portal/info.html (or asimilar iteration).

Note: When in doubt, go directly from the tax authority's site byentering its primary URL directly into your Address Bar.

The email seems to be a government tax agency but is requestingthat you inform them of your debit card's PIN number (or provideother sensitive information) in order to receive your refund. TheIRS does not send such messages - and already has the information itneeds to provide you with a refund check or direct deposit.

The email message alleges to be from the IRS (or anothergovernment agency) but has a file attached. Do not open theattachment, as these often contain harmful viruses or spyware.

For additional information about phishing protection, tips tohelp you avoid tax scams and information on how to choose theInternet security software that's right for you, visit http://www.webroot.com.

Media Contact: MacLean GuthrieTel: 1-720-842-3164 Email:MGuthrie@webroot.com

SOURCE Webroot