How CPAs Can Stop Phishing Scams Before They Steal Client Data
- orio1985
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 5
Your inbox is the front door to your firm, and hackers are knocking. Phishing scams are getting so realistic that even the most experienced professionals have fallen for them. For CPAs, one wrong click can open the door to stolen client tax data, wire fraud, and compliance nightmares.
Why Phishing Hits CPAs Hard
Tax season makes you a prime target. Cybercriminals know you’re under pressure, moving quickly, and juggling dozens of client requests — the perfect time to slip in a fake IRS notice or “urgent” client email.
According to the IRS, scammers often pose as the agency via email or text to trick people — but the IRS never initiates contact that way and warns taxpayers to “watch out for misleading email, text or websites.”¹
A successful phishing attack can:
Give hackers access to confidential tax files
Infect your network with ransomware
Lead to fines for violating client data regulations
Three Ways to Shut the Door on Phishing
Advanced Email Filtering – Use tools that scan attachments and links before they ever hit your inbox.
Verify Unusual Requests – If a “client” asks for a wire transfer or sends new bank details, confirm through a known phone number — not by replying to the email.
Run Phishing Drills – Simulate attacks so your team knows how to spot and report them without hesitation.
The Bigger Picture
Phishing is no longer about bad grammar and obvious scams. Today’s attacks are polished, targeted, and designed to fool busy professionals. A proactive defense is the only defense.
✅ Your Takeaway
If your defense strategy still relies on "just be careful," you're wide open.
📌 Want to see how we help CPAs build security-first operations? Explore our CPA Industry Services. Want to know how good is your IT? Click here to take this quiz.
¹ https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/watch-out-for-tax-scams-and-report-fraudulent-messages
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