In recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is sharing tips to help taxpayers detect scams, protect sensitive information, and report suspicious activity.

This week’s tip: Report fraud, scams, and identity theft.

“Taxpayers can be victimized by scammers throughout the year, not just during tax season,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “New Yorkers should know the most efficient ways to alert the proper agency, whether that’s us, the IRS, or any other state or federal agency. Knowing who to contact and when can help us all avoid being victimized altogether or stem the damage from fraud committed using their sensitive information.”

Identity theft

Identity thieves steal your personal or financial information and then use it to claim a tax refund, apply for a credit card, or benefit in some other way.
 
Many first discover they’re victims of tax-related fraud after their tax return is rejected. The return is rejected because a cyber thief has already filed a return to claim a refund using the victim’s social security number. If you’re a victim, or believe you may be a potential victim, alert us immediately. We can help prevent this type of tax-related fraud.

Please send us all of the following:

• Form DTF-275, Identity Theft Declaration;
• a statement explaining why you believe you're a victim of identity theft;
• a copy of the notice you received from our department (if you received one);
• a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from the year in question to verify your address; and
• a photocopy of your government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, US passport, or US military ID card.

You may fax or mail your documents to our identity verification unit, or call us with your concerns.

Phone: 518-457-5181

Fax: 518-435-2990 (ATTN: IDENTITY VERIFICATION UNIT)

Mail: IDENTITY VERIFICATION UNIT
        PO BOX 4128
        BINGHAMTON NY 13902-4128

Impersonation scams

Con artists will often try impersonating representatives from the Tax Department or IRS. If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be an employee of either agency, it’s critical that you report it.

You can report possible impersonation scams to the Tax Department and IRS online or by phone. We will review your complaint promptly and, if appropriate, take corrective action.

If you doubt that a caller is an IRS employee as claimed, contact the IRS by phone (1-800-366-4484), email (phishing@irs.gov) with the subject line “IRS Phone Scam,” or online through the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

If a suspicious caller claims to be from the Tax Department, contact the Tax Department by phone (518-451-1566) or email (dtfoia@tax.ny.gov). In addition, please note the date, time, and telephone number of the call, and save any voicemails from the caller.

Scammers have also claimed to be from the New York State Treasury. If you receive one of these calls, notify the agency at 1-800-771-7755.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should also be alerted. You can file a complaint on the FTC website or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Cyber Security Awareness Tips

Tip #1: Be on guard against common scam tactics

Tip #2: Take a proactive approach to cyber security

To learn more about recent scam alerts affecting New Yorkers, as well as identity theft prevention and mitigation tips, please visit the New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) website. In addition, if you need assistance with a consumer protection-related matter, please feel free to call the DCP Consumer Helpline, toll free, at 1-800-697-1220. The Helpline is open Monday to Friday, excluding State Holidays, from 8:30am to 4:30pm. You can also follow the Division of Consumer Protection on social media on Twitter and Facebook.