Cyber Threat Alert: IRS Scam

By DoIT Communications


Date released: 3/21/2021 

 

IRS Scam Targeting University Students and Staff

 

Every year scammers use tax season as a scare tactic to intimidate citizens into giving out personal information that can lead to financial loss and identity theft. This year there is a targeted effort pointed squarely at you and I. The IRS posted a warning yesterday detailing a scam in which those with “.edu” email addresses are receiving fake emails about their tax refund status, a topic we are all likely eager to explore. There is only one official way to check the status of a tax refund and although it may be disappointing, the IRS will not be reaching out to proactively expedite it. 

 

Read More About the Scam Here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-warns-university-students-and-staff-of-impersonation-email-scam.

 

What should I do if I receive one of these emails?

  1. Forward the email to phishbowl@stonybrook.edu.

  2. Flag the message as phishing. If using Google, it’s as easy as pressing the three dots next to the reply button and choosing “Report Phishing.”

  3. Review the additional steps recommended in the bottom of this IRS article if you realize you fell victim to this scam and provided personal information to the scammer.

 

For more information about cybersecurity, visit Stony Brook University’s CyberSecurity website - https://cybersecurity.stonybrook.edu

 

Thank you for your diligence and attention to this matter.