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
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Tax scams are sent out year round, not just in April. Make sure to stay alert!
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If you are going to a new agency to have your taxes prepared, verify they have a Preparer Tax identification number (PTIN)
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Scammers (ghost preparers) will refuse to sign and submit paperwork on behalf of their clients
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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
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Illegitimate services will even send your tax returns to their bank accounts
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Verify all routing and account numbers are correct
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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
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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/