Phishing scams are everywhere so be sure to know the signs

Whether it’s an email, a phone call or a solicitation through social media, scams abound and it’s up to all of us to be aware. While they take different forms using various platforms, most scams have a few things in common that can serve as tell-tale signs the communications are not legitimate.

Some of the common cons that have been in circulation for a while include phone scams, email phishing scams and schemes attempting to solicit money through fake charities.

As time goes on and the public gets wiser, con artists have had to become more creative. For instance, each year around tax time, scammers will send out emails purporting to come from a tax preparer, the IRS or an executive in your company asking for payroll data or other highly sensitive personal information.

Another scam that is gaining momentum is a phishing scheme where con artists will send out emails or promote fake websites claiming to sell last-minute tickets to popular events at steep discounts.

These criminals also are quick to capitalize on technology changes. One example is through the use of Gmail Confidential Email.

Google recently unveiled a new version of Gmail that includes Confidential Mode, which is supposed to provide more security by having the emails expire after a certain amount of time or requiring a separate passcode to access the email. However, this mode works by storing your email on Google servers in the cloud.

When both the sender and recipient use Gmail, the confidential mode email appears normal. But, recipients of Confidential Email who do not use Gmail will receive a link to access the email through an Internet browser. The user is prompted for a login username and password to determine whether or not they are the intended recipient.

However, a phisher can con people into revealing their login information by sending them a fake – but authentic-looking – link to an email supposedly sent by Confidential Email. Once the victim enters his or her email login information, the con artist can then wreak havoc with their victim’s information.

Scammers are also taking advantage of the new European data privacy regulation that went into effect May 25 called General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR. Con artists will use this as bait by sending an email claiming you’re not compliant with the new regulations. As usual, do not click on any links or open attachments claiming any problem with GDPR. Simply delete them.

While these scams can sound more complicated using high tech language that is not familiar to most of us, at their core, con artists use the same tactics over and over again.

Remember, any communication is probably a criminal scheme if:

  • It comes from an email name you do not recognize;
  • The email contains misspellings or broken English in the address, subject line or in the body;
  • The email was sent from a strange time of day, like the middle of the night;
  • The communication prompts you to act immediately;
  • The email asks for payment;
  • The communication threatens criminal action;
  • The email requests immediate action;
  • Suspicious communication includes a link or attachment; and/or
  • The communications requests personal information or credit card information.

The best principle to follow is if you are unsure, delete the email. If it appears to come from a colleague or someone you know, but it still contains the hallmark of a scam, call that person or send them a separate email asking if they did in fact send you information. As always, you can contact our office if you have any questions.

Sources: KnowBe4, ComputerWorld

Recent Articles:

Follow Antares CPAs:

Thank you for registering!

You will receive an email confirmation soon, and we look forward to seeing you at the Antares Wealth Symposium.

Make your room reservation now.

Use the link below to get a special room rate at the gorgeous Hotel Contessa where our symposium is being held.

Save my place!

Complete this short form to reserve your place at the free Antares Wealth Symposium. Watch for your confirmation email and we look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.

Contact Info
Guest Info

To help with meal planning, please indicate how many from your group will be attending each event.

Monday Dinner

Tuesday Breakfast

Tuesday Lunch

Dietary Restrictions
Other Accommodations
Contact Info
Guest Info

To help with meal planning, please indicate how many from your group will be attending each event.

Monday Dinner

Tuesday Breakfast

Tuesday Lunch

Dietary Restrictions
Other Accommodations

Succession & Transition Strategies

Creating a successful succession plan is about protecting the future of a business and/or brand and ensuring there is a strategy in place to ensure your business continues to thrive.

After years of investing time, money and other resources, it’s imperative to prepare for this next stage in business and life. Poor planning can increase risks for stakeholders and tarnish legacies. Let’s make sure the next generation is well-equipped and ready to take your life’s work and family legacy to an even greater level of success.

Each situation is unique because the needs of each one involved are unique. We carefully review each opportunity to determine how best to structure a transition while meeting your goals, complying with any brand licensing polices and minimizing the tax implications of the transfer.

  • Next generation succession planning
  • Retirement planning
  • Wealth management

Let's get started.

Call us at 770.785.7855 Or email hello@antaresgroupcpas.com

Technology Services

Antares Group’s technology team provides convenient hardware and software support, along with comprehensive cloud accounting services with 24/7 access to up-to-date financial information exactly the way you want it, on any connected device, with a customizable dashboard interface. We use best-in class cloud accounting platforms and software including Sage Intacct, Bill.com and robot process automation (RPA) with integration capabilities with some of the leading point-of-sale, payroll, and business operations management software programs.

Cloud accounting is just the beginning; Antares Group’s experienced technology team also performs system evaluations and makes recommendations for products and services that will help your business run more efficiently, as well as protecting your information and infrastructure with robust security options. Using the right technology for automation will simplify your life and keep your valuable data safe..

  • Technology and security optimization
  • Complete cloud accounting services
  • Computer troubleshooting assistance with remote and onsite repair

Let's get started.

Call us at 770.785.7855 Or email hello@antaresgroupcpas.com

Business Planning & Valuation

An accurate understanding of your company’s current value and financial viability is vital for achieving business success and the launch pad to boundless possibilities in the years to come. Realistic valuations are essential for long-term strategic plans, business successions and expansions, gift and estate planning, and a lucrative retirement package. Planning for where you want to go in the future is what our business and tax advisors do best. Whatever your goals, we are here to provide you with the right plan and insightful guidance to achieve it.

  • Trend reporting and analysis and business valuation
  • General business and start-up consulting
  • Major reinvestment planning
  • Cash flow projections

Let's get started.

Call us at 770.785.7855 Or email hello@antaresgroupcpas.com

Back Office Solutions

In such a fast-moving business environment, business owners need every advantage to succeed. Improving efficiency should be an ongoing part of your strategy for financial success, empowering you to make continuous improvements.

Whether your business is a single location seeking to grow effectively and sustainably, an established franchise brand adding new locations, or something in between, Antares Group provides a suite of back office services and the financial expertise to help business owners and managers achieve their operational and financial goals. In the process of supporting your essential back office operations with practical solutions, we analyze the function and effectiveness, looking for inefficiencies and potential liabilities, offering valuable insights for owners and managers.

  • Daily deposit verification and online banking monitoring
  • Process invoices and code general ledger accounts
  • Process vendor payments and file 1099s
  • Prepare and file sales and use tax returns
  • Reconcile bank, credit card and cashless sales accounts

Let's get started.

Call us at 770.785.7855 Or email hello@antaresgroupcpas.com

Tax Advisory

Minimizing your tax burden is a year-round strategy; planning for and preparing complex business and individual tax returns is where Antares Group excels. Beyond simply helping you fulfill basic tax obligations, you can rely on our tax advisory team to keep you informed of ever-changing regulations and keep you in compliance. We conduct regular reviews to make sure all methods of reducing your tax liabilities are being used. We routinely assess your personal income tax situation and cash flow to guard against the unexpected. This ongoing strategic analysis empowers you to maximize tax savings and capitalize on new opportunities.

In addition, we provide advisory services for new business startups, acquisitions, and dispositions. Through careful analysis, we help clients determine the best structure and make the process as seamless as possible.

  • Business and individual year-end tax returns
  • Personal property, gift, and trust income tax returns
  • Fixed asset setup and maintenance
  • Annual tax planning and preparation

Let's get started.

Call us at 770.785.7855 Or email hello@antaresgroupcpas.com

Cloud Accounting

Whether you run a small closely held business or a large franchise operation, maintaining a firm grasp of accounting and bookkeeping can be challenging. Between managing staff and overseeing daily operations, there is not enough time to dig into the books and make sense of the financials. You need to know the facts and the implications. – having precise, up-to-date information at hand means you always know your financial position so you can make informed decisions that keep your business moving forward.

The financial experts at Antares can create a custom menu of accounting and tax services perfectly catered to your business needs, including accurate and timely financial statements and reports, so you are always prepared to respond quickly to changing and challenging circumstances. Along the way, we provide clear feedback and financial guidance to help you predict trends and recognize issues, then make the necessary adjustments to sustain cash flow throughout the year.

  • Timely preparation of financial statements based on your particular needs
  • Complete preparation of sales, payroll, inventory, accrual, and prepaid journal entries
  • Meticulous monthly bank and credit card reconciliations

Antares Cloud Accounting services uses industry leading Sage Intacct managment software to provide the precise, up-to-date information you need to always know your financial position, so you can make well-informed decisions.

Call us at 770.785.7855 Or email hello@antaresgroupcpas.com