The IRS is again reporting an increase in phishing scams looking to steal W-2 data.

However, this new attack is also attempting to extract money via wire transfers. The criminals are now targeting hospitals, restaurants, schools and tribal organizations as well as their main focus, major corporations.

Over the last several days, targets have included Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Furniture (which we reported on), Lexington County (SC) School District Two as well as Scotty's Brewhouse.

“This is one of the most dangerous email phishing scams we've seen in a long time,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "It can result in the large-scale theft of sensitive data that criminals can use to commit various crimes, including filing fraudulent tax returns."

The scam sends out two phishing emails. One is the attempt to get Human Resources to release W-2 data while the second email goes out to the accounting department in an attempt to solicit a wire transfer.

The IRS is asking anyone who receives these emails to report it to Phishing@irs.gov. and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Speed is essential to thwart the scammers.

Source: SCMagazine