TurboTax Returns After Security Breach, But Watch Out for Phishing Scams

TurboTax is back online after a brief investigation into a series of fraudulent tax returns, but now the company is experiencing an increase in phishing scams.
Published
Tax Fraud

Intuit, the company behind the massively popular TurboTax software, announced late last week that hackers had stolen select users' personal information and were using the stolen IDs to file fraudulent tax returns. After a 24-hour pause to beef up its online security and investigate the problem with a security agency, the company said that users could once again begin transmitting their state returns via its software.

In a blog post, Intuit stated that the fraudulent activity "did not result from a security breach of its systems." The company also said it would implement targeted security measures to combat any suspicious activity going forward. In addition, customers affected by the hack would receive identity protection services and free credit monitoring.

Ongoing Problems for Intuit Customers

However, less then 72 hours later, Intuit posted a series of security alerts on its blog warning users of potential phishing attacks. The phishing emails were designed to obtain information from TurboTax users and came with subject lines that read "Your TurboTax Account: Action Needed." According to the Wall Street Journal, Intuit has seen nine versions of phishing emails this year, up from six in the same period last year.

And earlier this month, Intuit was forced to make amends with its customers after it moved select tax forms from its Deluxe software bundle to its pricier Premier bundle. But after this latest fiasco, the company wants its users to know it's applying the "most advanced technologies and techniques on an ongoing basis to prevent and detect any suspicious tax filing activity."

The question is, how will consumers react to the company's latest attacks? Will you still file your taxes with its TurboTax software? Let us know in the comments below.


Louis Ramirez
Contributing Writer

With over a decade of experience covering technology, Louis Ramirez has written for CNET, Laptop, Gizmodo, and various other publications. Follow him on Twitter at @louisramirez.
DealNews may be compensated by companies mentioned in this article. Please note that, although prices sometimes fluctuate or expire unexpectedly, all products and deals mentioned in this feature were available at the lowest total price we could find at the time of publication (unless otherwise specified).

Comments

Leave a comment!

or Register
4 comments
ecvogel
I mail in state because I am not paying $25. Or any money. I used the free H&R Block offer for paid TurboTax. Since you can get $20 or $25 back from Intuit Going to go with TT because I get less back from the state with H&R Block Software.
Configit
I have used TurboTax since 2003.
No state required for me.
fatmanosu
I have never used them. I have tried others and like them more. Having used Quickbook Pro I stay away from their other software.
Rockbell
After 9 years with Turbo tax, I have purchased H & R block. Good reviews on amazon