When working with taxes, financial planning and retirement, you often have to provide sensitive information. You don’t want your social security number or finances released to the public, so it is important to take some precautions. While e-mail is a fast and easy way to send information, it’s not as secure as you may think.
When you send an e-mail, it usually creates a copy of the e-mail in your sent folder. If anyone guesses your password, they could get a copy of the information. That goes for your recipient’s inbox as well. You may be able to guarantee that your e-mail is secure, but you don’t know about the person on the other end. So, if possible, never e-mail sensitive information.
If you do have to send an e-mail, encrypt your data if you can. Adobe acrobat and other programs often have the option of setting a password on files, so people can only open the file if they know the password. This creates an extra layer of security so even if an account is compromised, the data thieves can’t open your file.
Lastly, always double check the e-mail address. Rather than guessing your password, it is much easier for a scammer to make a fake e-mail address and trick you into giving your information to them. These fake e-mail addresses can be extremely similar to the real address, only adding an extra letter or a space in the name.
If you need to get sensitive information to Clergy Financial Resources, we have you covered. Our Cyber Cabinet (https://www.clergyfinancial.com/services/clergy-tax-preparation/user-agreement/) is a secure, online server that allows clients to upload their tax and payroll documents safely. We even have the option of uploading directly from your phone using our mobile app, located at https://www.clergyfinancial.com/services/clergy-tax-preparation/mobileapp/
< Back
Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.
This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.
For more information or if you need additional assistance, please use the contact information below.
Clergy Financial Resources
11214 86th Avenue N.
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Tel: (888) 421-0101
Fax: (888) 876-5101
Email: clientservices@clergyfinancial.com