December 23, 2010

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO OUR VALUED CLIENTS:

Sometime during the night of December 19, 2010 our office was broken into.  The thieves took five desk top computers which did not have any client sensitive information on them.  Unfortunately they also took one of our servers which did contain client sensitive information including tax returns.  The server is password protected and if it is ever connected to the internet again we will have a traceable IP address.  The police believe that the culprits were looking for drug money and most likely will just pawn the computers.  And fortunately we have two servers so have had no interruption of our business.

We will be adding even more security to our office after this incident.  We have been at this location for 24 years and up to now our security has been sufficient, but unfortunately these sorts of things now seem to happen anywhere.

In discussions with our IT specialist it would very difficult but not be impossible  for the thieves to obtain your personal data.  In his experience they will most likely wipe the machines clean and quickly sell them without even trying to look at the contents.  However there remains a small risk of personal data disclosure.

We are therefore suggesting that you be vigilant with your accounts and be on the look out for any unusual activity.  We also  recommend that you put a fraud alert on your, your spouse’s and your dependent’s social security numbers.  This can be done through any of the three major credit reporting companies.  We recommend that you register with all three.  Their contact information is as follows:

Equifax: (888) 766-0008

Transunion: (800) 680-7289

Experian: (800) 493-1058

If you do find any unusual activity in any of your accounts, please contact our office and the police immediately.  The phone number for the Bellevue Police Department is 425 452 6917 and you should reference case number 45770..

Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated, and we apologize for the inconvenience.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Lynne Roberts, CPA
DeCaro & Roberts, Inc., P.S.
Certified Public Accountants

About DeCaro & Roberts, Inc. P.S.

“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."  (Benjamin Franklin, 1789)

“What is not certain is the amount of taxes to be paid!” (DeCaro & Roberts, Inc. P.S.)

Located in Bellevue, Washington for over two decades, we are a CPA firm that has the staffing and expertise to assist you with your tax, accounting, and financial needs.  Our company focuses on developing long-term, proactive relationships with our clients.  We specialize in structuring your situation to minimize your tax liabilities.  To do this, we encourage active communication and planning with you throughout the year.   Above all, Decaro & Roberts, Inc. P.S. is a firm that cares about you, no matter how large or small.

The following is a list of services we commonly provide:

TAX PLANNING AND PREPARATION:
• Individuals
• Corporations / S-Corporation
• Partnerships
• Pensions and Profit Sharing Plans
• Estates and Trusts
• Non-Profit Organizations

FINANCIAL PLANNING:
• Budgeting
• Retirement Planning
• Education Planning
• Estate Planning
• Financing / Refinancing Calculations

ACCOUNTING:
• Bookkeeping Services
• Financial Statements

MANAGEMENT SERVICES
• Design and Implementation of Accounting Systems
• Training
• Controller Services

Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your specific situation.