Date Released: 3/9/2021

Cyber attackers will use any event and topic to try to steal your private information.  Every year scammers will use tax season as a scare tactic to intimidate citizens into giving out personal information that can lead to financial loss and identity theft.  Here are some tips to keep yourself safe from these attacks: 

• The IRS does not contact you by email, text or phone, they will always send physical mail to your home address.
  • These scams delivered by Robocall have recently been targeting immigrants and elderly citizens

• Tax scams are sent out year round, not just in April. Make sure to stay alert!

• If you are going to a new agency to have your taxes prepared, verify they have a  Preparer Tax identification number (PTIN)

  • Scammers (ghost preparers) will refuse to sign and submit paperwork on behalf of their clients

  • Legitimate one will have their information as the preparer on the tax return, submit it on your behalf, and provide you with a copy for personal records

  • Illegitimate services will even send your tax returns to their bank accounts

  • Verify all routing and account numbers are correct

• If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft due to a task scam you can follow this information provided by the IRS to take appropriate action: Suspected Tax Fraud

• More information provided by the IRS for avoiding scams can be found here: Tax Scam Consumer Alert

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