LPT_06-16_OnlinEdition

BusinessSolutions
By Shasta D. May
INTERESTING
THINGS TO KNOW
Internal Revenue Service – Last Year’s Hack
on IRS Affected More Taxpayer’s
In May of 2015, the IRS announced that tax
data on 114,000 individuals was stolen in the
cyber-attack on its “Get Transcript” Web tool.
Later in August of 2015, it said 220,000 more
taxpayers may have been victims of the breach.
It now admits that more than 700,000 taxpayer
accounts may have had their tax data compromised.
The IRS notifies affected taxpayers,
and is paying for victims credit monitoring and
gives victims the opportunity to request special
identity protection ID numbers.
Internal Revenue Service – To Use Private
Debt Collectors
The IRS will start using private debt collectors
to pursue unpaid taxes, which could lead
to more scams, warn cyber-security specialists.
Experts say never provide Social Security
numbers or credit card details. The debt collectors
are not authorized to take payments. Be
especially suspicious if you did not receive an
official letter about the debt beforehand. If you
get a call, contact the IRS directly at 800-829-
1040.
Technology – New ATMs Do Not Require
Cards
ATM machines
scheduled for introduction
this year by Chase will
use a security code sent
through a mobile banking
app to allow customers
to withdraw cash. After
the technology is fully in
place, customers will be
able to cash checks and
pay mortgages and credit
card bills. Chase is trying
to increase security with
the philosophy: If you do
not use a card, criminals
cannot find ways to skim the cards information.
Chase is also hoping to cut costs and reduce use
of tellers. It costs 65 cents to take a deposit using
a teller, 8 cents through an ATM and only 3
cents through a mobile app. If the Chase ATMs
are successful, other banks will likely follow
their lead.
Auto Industry – If you’re looking for a Pickup
Truck or SUV? Don’t expect a price break
New or used, buyers will continue to favor
everything from big pickups to small SUV’s
over sedans, hatchbacks, etc. Even after a mild
8 LPT www.TruckDriverMagazines.com