New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has asked taxpayers to notify his office of any unsolicited email messages disguised as official communications from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or tax preparation companies, designed to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting consumers.
Most “phishing” email scams involve official-looking messages that direct consumers to a website that looks like an authentic government or business site.
The consumer is then prompted to provide information to “update” his or her account, which is then used by scam artists to establish credit, make purchases, apply for loans or even seek employment.
Common warning signs for a phishing tax scam include:
– Emails purportedly from the IRS or tax service provider citing a problem with your tax forms
– Requests to divulge personal information, including your Social Security or credit card numbers
– Instructions to click on links directing you to a third-party website
– Threats that you will not receive your tax refund, or will be reported delinquent, if you do not follow the email’s instructions
The IRS does not send out unsolicited emails or ask consumers to divulge detailed personal information.
In addition, the IRS does not ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords or other secret access information for their credit card, bank or other financial accounts.
Consumers who have received suspicious emails or other tax preparation scams, are urged to contact the Attorney General’s Office at: 1-800-771-7755.
