Some tax scams skip the taxpayer entirely and go straight for the preparer. The “new client” scam uses friendly, believable emails to bait professionals into opening infected files.
Once the malware installs, scammers can access client records, including Social Security numbers and past returns. It is a reminder that protecting your data starts with choosing a tax preparer who stays alert to digital threats.
Scammers Target Your Trusted Tax Pro
Cybercriminals pose as potential new clients, sending friendly emails to tax professionals like:
“Hi, I need help filing my taxes. Are you taking new clients?”
When the preparer responds, the scammer sends over fake “documents” or links, sometimes labeled W-2s, tax forms, or prior returns. But those files aren’t real. They’re malware. And once opened, they can quietly steal data or open the door to full-blown system breaches.
Why This Should Matter to You
These scammers aren’t after just any data. They’re after yours—Social Security numbers, financial records, bank account details, previous returns, and anything else stored in your preparer’s system.
If the scam works:
- Your personal tax info may be sold on the dark web
- Fraudulent returns could be filed in your name
- You may be the victim of identity theft without even knowing it
- Fixing the damage could take months or longer
What You Can Do as a Client
You can’t stop every scam, but you can make smart choices about who handles your taxes.
Look for a preparer who:
- Takes cybersecurity seriously
- Uses encrypted client portals (instead of email)
- Requires multi-factor authentication
- Keeps up with IRS alerts and scam warnings
- Will never ask you to click links or send sensitive info over unsecure channels
We Stay on Guard So You Don’t Have To
At Smith Patrick CPAs, we stay alert to threats like the “new client” scam and many others. Our systems are secure, our team is trained, and we work hard to keep your information protected, because trust is the foundation of everything we do.
We’ve covered all of the IRS’s 2025 Dirty Dozen Tax Scams. If you missed any, take a look at our previous posts, especially if you want to stay one step ahead of scammers.
Got tax questions or just want to make sure your data is in good hands? Let’s talk. We’re here to help, no shady links involved.
More Information
If you have questions, contact us to discuss your situation.
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Benjamin Schweiss
Benjamin Schweiss is a Staff Accountant at Smith Patrick CPAs. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and is currently pursuing a master’s in accounting. Benjamin brings experience from his previous career in corporate marketing at PepsiCo North America and aims to make accounting approachable while providing exceptional service.
About Smith Patrick CPAs
Smith Patrick CPAs is a boutique, St. Louis-based, CPA firm dedicated to providing personal guidance on taxes, investment advice and financial service to forward-thinking businesses and financially active individuals. For over 30 years, our firm has focused on providing excellent service to business owners and high-net worth families across the country. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor.
