Here’s an important Web warning for our US-based readers: be on the lookout for online tax season scams and census-related fraud.

Here are the details you should know -

Tax Season Scams

Only a day ahead of the U.S. tax filing deadline, there have been renewed warnings of tax-related online scams. USA Today reports that you should be on the lookout for spam peddling fake IRS forms, as well as online promotions for overnight tax-prep services and promises of ‘instant refunds’ – coming to you through Twitter or Google searches. Even after April 15, some researchers say, you still can’t let your guard down; judging from past examples, the scammers may just update their tactics by relating the scam to a supposed refund, or a purported problem with the return you filed. For tips on how to protect yourself and your PC, we have tax season safety tips available in one of the latest Lavasoft News newsletters.

Census-Related Fraud

The 2010 Census in the U.S. is underway, and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and Better Business Bureau have issued a warning to consumers to make sure to get their facts right on what to do and who to trust – so you don’t fall for any census-related fraud. A few of the pointers the IC3 listed: census takers will never contact you by e-mail, solicit donations, or ask for your personally identifiable information (such as your social security number or driver’s license number). More detailed information is available in this notice from the IC3.

And, one final bit of security news - this one's for you all, no matter of your location: be sure to get your updates after yesterday’s round of patches from Microsoft and Adobe, fixing critical flaws in their products.