11/30/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/30/2021 08:38
Harrisburg, PA -With the holiday shopping season underway, the Department of Revenue is encouraging Pennsylvanians to take the appropriate steps to protect their personal information from identity thieves and cybercriminals. These bad actors are constantly working to steal sensitive information, including data that can be used to file fraudulent tax returns and request fraudulent tax refunds.
"We want everyone to know that these criminals are routinely coming up with new schemes to impersonate trustworthy organizations, including government agencies," Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. "They use email, the phone and other tactics as they try to trick you into giving up your passwords or sensitive information. As our partners at the IRS say, don't take the bait. Be cautious and always be suspicious, particularly of unsolicited messages or calls that you receive."
This warning comes during the sixth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3. This initiative is a partnership between the IRS, state tax agencies and others in the tax industry, including tax professionals, to highlight prevalent scams and encourage people to protect their sensitive financial information. Below are some tips to keep in mind.
Tips to protect personal and financial information online:
Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams
Identity thieves often use phishing emails to trick users into giving up passwords and other information. Look out for:
Tips for Tax Professionals
In addition to the tips noted above, there are additional signs that tax professionals should be on the lookout for that signal data theft. Here are some common clues shared by the IRS that may suggest a tax professional may be a victim:
Steps to follow if you are a victim of a scam
The Department of Revenue reminds taxpayers that it has a Fraud Detection and Analysis Unit dedicated to assisting victims of identity theft and combating tax refund fraud.
If you are a victim of identity theft or discover a fraudulent Pennsylvania personal income tax return was filed using your identity, please contact the Fraud Detection and Analysis Unit by emailing [email protected].
For more information on ways to protect yourself, visit Revenue's Identity Theft Victim Assistance webpage. You can also find further information about protecting yourself online at PA.gov/Cybersecurity.
National Tax Security Awareness Week
As part of National Tax Security Awareness Week, the IRS and its partners are sharing YouTube videos on security steps for taxpayers such as Easy Steps to Protect Your Computer and PhoneOpens In A New Window and how Security Measures Help Protect Against Tax-Related Identity TheftOpens In A New Window.
You can also follow the Department of Revenue on FacebookOpens In A New Window, TwitterOpens In A New Window and LinkedInOpens In A New Window for periodic reminders on scams and tips for how you can protect yourself.
Media Contact: Jeffrey Johnson, [email protected]
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