Protect Your Clients from Tax Season Scams with these Easy Tips!

Protect Your Clients from Tax Season Scams with these Easy Tips!

As a financial advisor, you have a responsibility to protect your clients' sensitive information from phishing scams, which tend to increase in frequency during tax season. Phishing is a type of online fraud where scammers try to trick people into revealing personal and financial information.

Here are some tips to help you protect your clients from phishing attempts during tax season:

• Warn your clients: Educate your clients on the risks of phishing scams and how to recognize them. Encourage them to be cautious when receiving emails or phone calls claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and to always verify the sender's email address and website URL.

• Use secure communication channels: When communicating with your clients, use secure communication channels like encrypted emails and document management platforms like SideDrawer, which help protect sensitive information from being intercepted by hackers.

• Keep your software up to date: Make sure your computer's operating system, antivirus software, and web browser are up to date. This shields your computer from malware and other security threats that could compromise your clients' information.

• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Use strong and unique passwords for each of your digital accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This will add an extra layer of security and make it harder for scammers to access information.

• Eliminate emails containing attachments or clicking on links: Phishing emails often contain links or attachments that can infect your computer with malware or direct you to a fake website designed to steal your information. Eliminate 100% of emails containing links or attachments to your clients by using SideDrawer to communicate and manage sensitive files.

• Stay up to date on phishing scams: Stay informed about the latest phishing scams and educate your clients accordingly. The CRA also provides resources and alerts about current scams and how to report them.

Protecting your clients from phishing scams during tax season requires a proactive approach and ongoing vigilance. By applying the tips in this article, you can help protect your clients' sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Want to learn more about how SideDrawer can make your practice even more secure? Book a demo with us.