CT Specific Fraud Alert – if you haven’t heard, Anthem Inc., a very large insurance company, had its data breached. Due to this breach Kevin Sullivan, Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services Commissioner, issued a Media Alert to advise our state’s residents who are expecting federal or state income tax refunds to file their tax returns ASAP. Fraudsters may (and apparently have) use the information from data breaches to claim refunds before the legitimate tax payers do.
He also warned that some taxpayers using Turbo Tax have received phishing emails titled “You Turbo Tax account” Update your information.” If you give the information requested it can be used to steal your tax refund.
Here is the Media Alert: http://www.ct.gov/drs/cwp/view.asp?Q=560558&A=1436
As an aside, there is at least one phishing email being sent out as if it comes from Anthem trying to get information from those who are either currently or previously insured by Anthem. Anthem has set up a website to try to answer questions about their breach: https://www.anthemfacts.com/
As always, if you get an unexpected email from any organization, don’t click on the links. Open a browser, go to the organization’s website or call their phone number – the URL or number you’d contact if the email wasn’t offering an easier alternative – and ask if they sent the email and want you to take the action listed in it.
