QuickBooks Phishing Scam

At H&S we’re always trying to keep our clients in the know, report any tax news, alerts and helpful information. Currently, there is a QuickBooks email phishing scam happening, and it’s targeting small businesses who use the QuickBooks software. The email appears to be confirming that you changed your business name with Intuit. Since the odds are that you didn’t actually do this, you’ll be prompted to click the cancel link – beware! The link is just bait to capture more information. Read more by clicking the link below…

Idaho Stateman: These emails about QuickBooks software are actually a phishing scam

Scam Alert

CPA's & Business Advisors

Identity Theft Takes #1 Spot on IRS Dirty Dozen List



identity-theft-hscompaniesIdentity theft is a big problem. In fact, this year it took the number one spot on the IRS Dirty Dozen scam list. In an effort to help victims reclaim their identity, the IRS announced the nationwide expansion of a program that helps law enforcement officials obtain the tax return data they need to support their local investigations and prosecutions. Because the pilot program went so well, the IRS decided to expand it.

And, just as a reminder that anyone can end up a target of identity theft…the Chicago Tribune recently reported that Chief Justice John Roberts became a victim of credit card fraud.

To learn about preventing fraud in your business, check out our Certified Fraud Examiners!

In Wake of Hurricane Sandy Don’t Fall for Phishing Scams



Donations

Beware of phishing scams that take advantage of people's goodwill.

Unfortunately, after large-scale disasters, it’s not uncommon for fraudsters to try to take advantage of people’s goodwill. If you’re going to donate to disaster relief programs, such as those for Hurricane Sandy, remember to use common sense and be on the lookout for scams. Things to keep in mind include:

  • Be sure you’re donating to a reputable organization. Be on the lookout for names that are similar to reputable organizations but are not actually affiliated with them.
  • Use the same caution for emails soliciting disaster relief donations that you would use for those soliciting personal information.
  • Don’t give out your Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information to those soliciting a contribution.
  • If you plan to deduct donations, be sure to pay with check, credit, or other methods that have documentation.

If you have questions regarding charitable donations deductions, contact H&S Companies.

To learn more read, IRS Warns Consumers of Possible Scams Relating to Hurricane Sandy Relief.


The Embezzler | Fall 2012 Newsletter



In This Edition

  • Fraud Happens Everywhere: As we listen to stories of fraud in our homes across Western and Central Michigan, it’s hard to imagine embezzlement or fraud happening in our small business. But, it does happen more frequently, and goes on for perhaps longer than we think.
  • Holiday Scam Alert: Gift Card Stripping: Gift cards are one of the most popular presents of the holiday season, but could they lead to disappointment from the recipient?
  • Tis the Season to…Hire Temporary Employees: While this time of year is busy for stores looking to hire people quickly, some forget one important step — background checks.
  • H&S Employee Receives Recognition For Work on Fraud Case: Tamra Matthews started working in the H&S Companies Mount Pleasant location just a few short months ago, and she is already making a name for herself in the community.
  • Profile of a Perp: Typical traits of the Occupational Fraudster.

Download the Fall 2012 edition of The Embezzler

To learn more about preventing fraud in your business, contact Kit Powell.

Kit Powell
Certified Fraud Examiner
616.735.3104
kitp@hscompanies.com


The Embezzler | Fall 2012 Newsletter



In This Edition

  • Fraud Happens Everywhere: As we listen to stories of fraud in our homes across Western and Central Michigan, it’s hard to imagine embezzlement or fraud happening in our small business. But, it does happen more frequently, and goes on for perhaps longer than we think.
  • Holiday Scam Alert: Gift Card Stripping: Gift cards are one of the most popular presents of the holiday season, but could they lead to disappointment from the recipient?
  • Tis the Season to…Hire Temporary Employees: While this time of year is busy for stores looking to hire people quickly, some forget one important step — background checks.
  • H&S Employee Receives Recognition For Work on Fraud Case: Tamra Matthews started working in the H&S Companies Mount Pleasant location just a few short months ago, and she is already making a name for herself in the community.
  • Profile of a Perp: Typical traits of the Occupational Fraudster.

Download the Fall 2012 edition of The Embezzler

To learn more about preventing fraud in your business, contact Kit Powell.

Kit Powell
Certified Fraud Examiner
616.735.3104
kitp@hscompanies.com



Profile of a Perp



Occupational Fraudsters
To learn more about fraud, or to schedule your free fraud risk assessment, contact Kit Powell.

Kit Powell
Certified Fraud Examiner
616.735.3104
kitp@hscompanies.com



Holiday Scam Alert: Gift Card Stripping



If you give a gift card this season, you could be susceptible to a fraud scheme.

If you give a gift card this season, you could be susceptible to a fraud scheme.

Gift cards are one of the most popular presents of the holiday season, but could they lead to disappointment from the recipient? Maybe. Beyond suffering through the usual, “gift cards show that you put no thought towards what I might like” speech, they may also make you susceptible to fraud.

Gifts cards are easier to compromise than you may think. They have no shelf value, no owner’s information and no way to be traced. All a fraudster has to do is buy a scanner, scan the gift cards on the shelf to retrieve the card information, and then wait for them to be purchased.

How do they know if the cards have been purchased?  Easy. The status and value can simply be checked online. Once you’ve purchased it, the fraudster is able to buy products online with the stolen information on the scanner.  Most gift cards are purchased well in advance of the holiday, so the fraudster has plenty of time to shop and spend the available resources on the card before it is even opened.

There are steps you can take to prevent yourself from falling victim. Most retailers have cards that are either under registers or not on the shelf yet. Ask a sales associate for one of those cards. This will minimize the possibility of it being compromised.  If the card looks compromised or has been handled a lot, then do not purchase it.

Kit Powell
Certified Fraud Examiner
616.735.3104
kitp@hscompanies.com



H&S Employee Receives Recognition For Work on Fraud Case




Tamra Matthews

Tamra Matthews


Tamra Matthews started working in the H&S Companies Mount Pleasant location just a few short months ago, and she is already making a name for herself in the community.
In addition to being an accountant for H&S, she is a graduate student in the Central Michigan University Business Administration program. Last year, the Michigan State Police contacted an accounting professor at CMU to ask for his help, and his best students’ help, with open embezzlement cases. Tamra was among the top students selected to assist.
Through the team’s research, they were able to help prove embezzlement crimes had, in fact, occurred. Because of their hard work and dedication to reviewing the facts, a criminal is in prison. They were recognized at a ceremony held at police headquarters in October.


H&S Employee Receives Recognition For Work on Fraud Case




Tamra Matthews

Tamra Matthews


Tamra Matthews started working in the H&S Companies Mount Pleasant location just a few short months ago, and she is already making a name for herself in the community.
In addition to being an accountant for H&S, she is a graduate student in the Central Michigan University Business Administration program. Last year, the Michigan State Police contacted an accounting professor at CMU to ask for his help, and his best students’ help, with open embezzlement cases. Tamra was among the top students selected to assist.
Through the team’s research, they were able to help prove embezzlement crimes had, in fact, occurred. Because of their hard work and dedication to reviewing the facts, a criminal is in prison. They were recognized at a ceremony held at police headquarters in October.


H&S Employee Receives Recognition For Work on Fraud Case



Tamra Matthews

Tamra Matthews

Tamra Matthews started working in the H&S Companies Mount Pleasant location just a few short months ago, and she is already making a name for herself in the community.

In addition to being an accountant for H&S, she is a graduate student in the Central Michigan University Business Administration program. Last year, the Michigan State Police contacted an accounting professor at CMU to ask for his help, and his best students’ help, with open embezzlement cases. Tamra was among the top students selected to assist.

Through the team’s research, they were able to help prove embezzlement crimes had, in fact, occurred. Because of their hard work and dedication to reviewing the facts, a criminal is in prison. They were recognized at a ceremony held at police headquarters in October.