--- title: "🚨 Urgent IRS Warning: Hackers Are Targeting Accountants Right Now" description: IRS warns accountants of a new phishing scam during tax season. Learn how to protect your firm from cyber threats and safeguard client information. image: https://bawn.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1341701957.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/urgent-irs-warning-hackers-are-targeting-accountants-right-now#main) [![Logo Transparency-1 (1)](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20Transparency-1%20(1).png?width=230&height=66&name=Logo%20Transparency-1%20(1).png)](https://bawn.com) - Show submenu for Cyber Risk Engineering Cyber Risk Engineering - [What is Cyber Risk Engineering](https://bawn.com/what-is-cyber-risk-engineering) - [Cybersecurity vs Cyber Risk Engineering](https://bawn.com/cybersecurity-vs-cyber-risk-engineering) - [The Bawn Risk Engineering Framework](https://bawn.com/cyber-risk-engineering-framework) - [Cyber Risk Assessment](https://bawn.com/get-your-cyber-risk-score) - [Cyber Liability Exposure](https://bawn.com/understand-liability-exposure) - Show submenu for Services Services - Show submenu for Cyber Risk Services Cyber Risk Services - [Risk Assessment](https://bawn.com/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-service) - [Security Strategy Development](https://bawn.com/cyber-security-strategy-development-services) - [Cyber Risk Mitigation](https://bawn.com/risk-mitigation-services) - [vCISO](https://bawn.com/vciso-virtual-chief-information-security-officer) - [Incident Response Planning](https://bawn.com/incident-response-planning-services) - Show submenu for Managed Services Managed Services - [A Different Kind of MSP](https://bawn.com/bawn-is-a-different-msp) - [Full Service Secure IT](https://bawn.com/msp-services) - [Cyber Warranty](https://bawn.com/cyber-warranty) - Show submenu for Sectors Sectors - [Energy and Utilities](https://bawn.com/energy-and-utilities) - [Manufacturing](https://bawn.com/manufacturing) - [Startups](https://bawn.com/cyber-services-for-startups) - [SMBs](https://bawn.com/smb-cybersecurity) - [Financial Services](https://bawn.com/financial-services-cybersecurity) - [Blog](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Cyber Risk Engineering Cyber Risk Engineering - Cyber Risk Engineering - [What is Cyber Risk Engineering](https://bawn.com/what-is-cyber-risk-engineering) - [Cybersecurity vs Cyber Risk Engineering](https://bawn.com/cybersecurity-vs-cyber-risk-engineering) - [The Bawn Risk Engineering Framework](https://bawn.com/cyber-risk-engineering-framework) - [Cyber Risk Assessment](https://bawn.com/get-your-cyber-risk-score) - [Cyber Liability Exposure](https://bawn.com/understand-liability-exposure) - Show submenu for Services Services - Services - Show submenu for Cyber Risk Services Cyber Risk Services - Cyber Risk Services - [Risk Assessment](https://bawn.com/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-service) - [Security Strategy Development](https://bawn.com/cyber-security-strategy-development-services) - [Cyber Risk Mitigation](https://bawn.com/risk-mitigation-services) - [vCISO](https://bawn.com/vciso-virtual-chief-information-security-officer) - [Incident Response Planning](https://bawn.com/incident-response-planning-services) - Show submenu for Managed Services Managed Services - Managed Services - [A Different Kind of MSP](https://bawn.com/bawn-is-a-different-msp) - [Full Service Secure IT](https://bawn.com/msp-services) - [Cyber Warranty](https://bawn.com/cyber-warranty) - Show submenu for Sectors Sectors - Sectors - [Energy and Utilities](https://bawn.com/energy-and-utilities) - [Manufacturing](https://bawn.com/manufacturing) - [Startups](https://bawn.com/cyber-services-for-startups) - [SMBs](https://bawn.com/smb-cybersecurity) - [Financial Services](https://bawn.com/financial-services-cybersecurity) - [Blog](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond) - Search - [Get Started](https://bawn.com/contact-bawn) [Get Started](https://bawn.com/contact-bawn) Search # 🚨 Urgent IRS Warning: Hackers Are Targeting Accountants Right Now April 06, 2025 **Tags:** [Cyber Threats You Should Know](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/tag/cyber-threats-you-should-know)   --- Tax season is here—and cybercriminals know it. The IRS has issued an urgent warning about a new phishing scam targeting **accountants and tax professionals**. These attackers are posing as potential clients to trick you into giving them access to **your email, your passwords, and your entire client list**. ### 🎯 How the Scam Works Hackers are impersonating new clients reaching out for help. They send a polite, professional-looking email with a document or link—usually saying it contains their tax documents. The moment you click? - Malware is installed on your system - Your email and passwords are compromised - Your client list is now in the hands of criminals - Your clients start receiving fake tax updates and wire fraud attempts—**from your email address** 📄 [Read the official IRS warning here](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom) --- ### ⚠️ Why This Is So Dangerous You’re under pressure. You’re juggling dozens of clients. And hackers are counting on that. They rely on **distraction and urgency**—the exact conditions that make phishing attacks successful. And because your firm holds some of the **most sensitive personal and financial data** there is, you’re a prime target. Even one wrong click could: - Breach client confidentiality - Trigger regulatory penalties - Wreck your reputation - Put your firm in legal and financial jeopardy --- ### ✅ What You Should Do Right Now #### 1. **Warn Your Team** Make sure everyone on your staff knows about this scam. Train them to spot suspicious emails—especially ones from “new clients” asking you to open attachments. #### 2. **Review Your Security Plan** Under **FTC Safeguards Rule** and **Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act**, accounting firms must have a **Written Information Security Plan (WISP)** in place. If you don’t have one—or if it’s outdated—you may be out of compliance with federal law. That could mean denial of any insurance claims related to a breach. #### 3. **Schedule a Level 1 Cybersecurity Assessment** If you’re unsure about your current defenses, let us take a look. Bawn was founded by former FBI cyber agents—we’ve seen these attacks from both sides. Our quick, no-pressure assessment can identify vulnerabilities **before** hackers do. 👉 **[Schedule Your Security Assessment Now](https://bawn.com/meetings/jonathan-trimble/10-minute-cyber-pulse-check)** --- ### 🔒 This Isn’t Just About Compliance—It’s About Trust Your clients rely on you. And your firm’s reputation is built on confidentiality. Don’t wait until after a breach to take action. If you have any questions, or you think you may have already clicked something suspicious, **[contact us immediately](https://bawn.com/contact-bawn).** We’re here to help. **Bawn** *Crush Cyber Risk* ---   ### Related Articles ##### [![Why Churches Are Becoming a Growing Target for Cyberattacks](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_359392739.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=shutterstock_359392739.jpg) Cyber Threats You Should Know • April 15, 2025 Why Churches Are Becoming a Growing Target for Cyberattacks 2 min read](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/why-churches-are-becoming-a-growing-target-for-cyberattacks) ##### [![7 Cybersecurity Challenges Facing Fintechs and Small Financial Institutions in 2025](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1516904639.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=shutterstock_1516904639.jpg) Cyber Threats You Should Know • November 13, 2024 7 Cybersecurity Challenges Facing Fintechs and Small Financial Institutions in 2025 3 min read](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/7-cybersecurity-challenges-facing-fintechs-and-small-financial-institutions-in-2025) ### Comments ![ancient-scroll (1)](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ancient-scroll%20(1).png?width=110&height=110&name=ancient-scroll%20(1).png) ### Cyber Knowledge Awaits Stay ahead of cyber threats and gain valuable insights by subscribing to Bawn's blog today! First Name Last Name Email \* ###### Recent Posts - [Responsible AI Isn’t Optional: Why the Next Few Years Matter More Than Ever](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/responsible-ai-isnt-optional-why-the-next-few-years-matter-more-than-ever) - [Why Insurance Innovation Is Really About Understanding Risk—Not Avoiding It](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/why-insurance-innovation-is-really-about-understanding-risk-not-avoiding-it) - [Navigating Compliance in the Age of Cybersecurity: Insights from Kate Williams](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/navigating-compliance-in-the-age-of-cybersecurity-insights-from-kate-williams) - [Why Your Business Continuity Plan Should Be Part of Your Cyber Risk Strategy](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/why-your-business-continuity-plan-should-be-part-of-your-cyber-risk-strategy) - [A Cyber Playbook for Non-Tech Executives](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/a-cyber-playbook-for-non-tech-executives) [![Logo Transparency-2 (1)](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20Transparency-2%20(1).png?width=300&height=87&name=Logo%20Transparency-2%20(1).png)](https://bawn.com/placeholder) - Company - [About Bawn](https://bawn.com/about-us) - [Our Approach to Cyber Risk](https://bawn.com/cyber-services-for-startups-4) - [Our Services](https://bawn.com/cyber-services-for-startups) - [Career](https://bawn.com/careers) - [Our Partners](https://bawn.com/partners) - [Privacy Policy](https://bawn.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms and Conditions](https://bawn.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Master Services Agreement](https://bawn.com/master-services-agreement) - Get Help - [Blog](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond) - [CPA Toolkit](https://bawn.com/cpa-trusted-advisor) - [FAQ](https://bawn.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Contact Us](https://bawn.com/contact-bawn) - Affiliate Program - [For Insurance Agents & Brokers](https://bawn.com/insurance-agent-affiliate-program) - [Affiliate Program Terms and Conditions](https://bawn.com/bawn-affiliate-terms-and-conditions-program-) - Crushing It - [Podcast Episodes](https://bawn.com/crushing-it) - [Guest Signup](https://bawn.com/crushing-it/guest-signup) ©2026 Bawn, Inc. All rights reserved.   - - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bawn", "url" : "https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/author/bawn" }, "dateModified" : "2025-04-06T15:13:52.082Z", "datePublished" : "2025-04-06T15:13:52.000Z", "headline" : "🚨 Urgent IRS Warning: Hackers Are Targeting Accountants Right Now", "image" : [ "https://bawn.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1341701957.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/urgent-irs-warning-hackers-are-targeting-accountants-right-now", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://bawn.com/hubfs/Logo%20Transparency-1%20(1)-1.png" }, "name" : "Bawn" } } ```