Beware of tax scams in 2018

Optum Bank is here to keep your health savings account (HSA) safe and secure. And, as part of our commitment, we’re providing you with up-to-date information to keep in mind this tax season.

Billions in losses
As you may know, tax time generates numerous scams aimed at individuals filing their returns. Tax return fraud has increased substantially in the past few years, resulting in billions of dollars in losses and a great amount of time and inconvenience for victims.

2018’s most common scams
This year’s most commonly seen scams targeting businesses and individuals include the following:

• Request for password changes. Malicious actors are proactively seeking new ways to gather a victim’s information in order to change passwords to key online systems. This in turn allows them to collect the victim’s information or tax refund.
  • How to protect your HSA: If you receive a password change notification from Optum Bank and you didn’t request a password change, immediately report this to Optum Bank at 1-866-234-8913.

• Request for tax forms. Attackers pretend to be a senior executive and request tax forms and other employment records for employees. The attackers then use these reports to steal the employees’ identities.
  • How to protect yourself: If you receive a suspicious email requesting tax forms, such as those related to your HSA (5498-SA, 1099-SA or 8889), it’s important to confirm separately with the senior leader’s office before complying.
  • Please know that Optum Bank will never reach out to you to request tax forms.

• “Click to download your tax forms” scam. In this scam, you may receive an email that includes a link to download your 5498-SA, 1099-SA or other tax form, like your W-2. However, clicking the link leads you to a compromised portal that will harvest credentials.
  • How to protect yourself: If you receive an email stating you can click to immediately download your tax forms, do NOT click the link. This is not a request Optum Bank would ever make.
  • Please know that at tax time, Optum Bank will let you know when your tax forms are available online. However, you will always be required to log in first.

More steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Be on your guard against anyone asking for your log-in credentials or any personal information, especially if they become aggressive. The IRS does not make contact with individuals to obtain personal data. IRS agents also never become aggressive or ask for credit card numbers when they work with individuals or corporations.
• Make sure to report any suspicious email requests about taxes at your work. Your HR department can let you know how to report spam or other suspicious activity.
• Report any suspicious email requests you may receive on your personal email directly to the IRS. You can reach the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

Source: United Health Group Be Aware of New Tax Scams in 2018.