Security Service FCU breaks ground on new location at Rolling Oaks

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) has broken ground on a new branch, moving its Rolling Oaks Mall location to a freestanding SSFCU pad site in close proximity to the mall. The new branch, located at 6907 North Loop 1604 E, is expected to open in 1Q 2015 and features 4,800 square feet of interior space with seven private offices, safety deposit boxes, four drive thru lanes and a drive up ATM.

SSFCU exteriorJohn M. Neugebauer is the architect on the project. Jordan Foster Construction is general contractor.

“Developing this new branch allows us to provide greater visibility and easier access, as well as bring to members the added convenience of drive thru lanes and a drive up ATM,” said John Worthington, SSFCU’s executive vice president. “A continuation of our commitment to our members and community, this expanded location has been designed with their needs and expectations in mind and will offer the broad range of products and services they expect from Security Service.”

SSFCU has 70 branches in Texas, Utah and Colorado; 24 are in San Antonio.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $8 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Taxpayers beware of largest IRS phone scam ever

Padgett Stratemann & Co.Thousands of U.S. taxpayers have fallen victim to the largest phone fraud scam – collectively paying over $1 million to scammers impersonating as IRS officials. “This is the largest scam of its kind we have ever seen and has hit nearly every state in the country,” reported Inspector General J. Russell George of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

Prying on the fears of taxpayers during tax filing season, the scammers have developed a sophisticated phone scam.  TIGTA warns taxpayers to understand how the scam works and what should be regarded as a red flag the individual on the other end of the phone is not employed by the IRS.

This Is How It Works

  • Caller claims to be from the IRS
  • Victim is told they owe taxes and must make a payment using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer
  • Caller threatens victim they will be arrested, deported, or will lose their business or drivers license if they do not cooperate
  • Fake IRS emails are sent to support the scam
  • Scammers call a second time posing as the police or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The callers have a tendency to use common names and fake IRS badge numbers and in an effort to make the call seem official will provide the last four digits of the victim’s Social Security number.  In addition, they alter caller ID information so it displays as coming from the IRS, local police, or DMV.

Red Flags Are Waving
TIGTA stated that understanding how the scam works is the best way taxpayers can protect themselves.  Also, understanding how the IRS contacts taxpayers who do owe money is critical.   George explained that the IRS utilizes mail – not the phone – to make initial contact with a taxpayer.  He also went on to say the IRS does not ask for payment using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer, and the agency never accepts credit card information over the phone – nor does the agency request personal or financial information by email, texting, or social media.

What to Do If You Receive a Fraudulent Call or Email
Should you receive a call or email from a scammer, follow these steps to protect yourself:

  • If you owe taxes or think you owe taxes, hang-up the phone and call the IRS at 800.829.1040. IRS workers can assist with your questions.
  • If you don’t owe taxes, report the incident to TIGTA at 800.366.4484.  You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTC.gov – add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments in your complaint.
  • Forward fraudulent emails to phishing@irs.gov.  NEVER click on links found in the email or open an attachment.

We hope you find this alert helpful in keeping you informed about the latest news affecting U.S. taxpayers.  For assistance with your tax needs or questions, contact your tax professional today at 210.828.6281 or 512.476.0717.

BKD, LLP announces promotions

BKD logoJon McDowell, managing partner of BKD, LLP San Antonio office, announces the promotion of Stephanie Bostick and Shawn Loader to manager (tax), Cristina Baumgardner to senior consultant II (Forensics & Valuation Services) and Nathan Scheel to senior associate (audit) April 1, 2014.

Career paths at BKD are divided into levels, and each position is defined by its own set of duties, responsibilities and competencies requiring cumulative and advanced degrees of education, training and experience.  Personnel also must demonstrate their leadership abilities as coaches and mentors, as well as taking an active role in their community.  Individuals become candidates for promotion after successfully mastering their existing level.

Stephanie Bostick BKD_Jan 2012“These individuals have consistently proven their commitment to providing unmatched service to our clients and their commitment to our profession,” said McDowell. “I am proud to work with these talented individuals.”

Shawn Loader BKD_Jan 2012Bostick and Loader serve clients in an array of industries and personal wealth planning.  Bostick graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2009.  Loader is a 2008 graduate of Trinity University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science of Accounting.

Christina Baumgardner_2012Baumgardner provides fraud investigation, litigation support and data mining services in BKD’s Forensics & Valuations Services division.  She is a 2005 graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Master of Science in Finance after previously attaining a BBA in Accounting.

Nathan  Scheel_Jun 2012Scheel serves clients in the not-for-profit, manufacturing and distribution, construction, energy and financial services industries.  He graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Business Management in 2012.

 

About BKD
BKD, LLP is the top-tier U.S. CPA and advisory firm that delivers its experience and service with a deep understanding of your business, your needs and what it takes to improve your business performance.  BKD’s approximately 2,000 personnel, including approximately 250 partners, serve clients in 50 states and more than 40 countries.  To learn more, visit www.bkd.com.

Praxity, AISBL, a global alliance of independent firms, enhances BKD’s ability to serve the dynamic needs of multinational clients.  Praxity provides the gateway to tax, assurance and consulting services delivered by alliance firms committed to the highest standards required in international business.