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State Issues Warning On Tax Season Scams

Taxpayers beware, the state is warning tax preparers and human resource officials of several new scams that have hit at least 37 companies throughout the state, affecting thousands of taxpayers.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today warned New York tax preparers and human resources professionals of new scams aimed at stealing confidential client and employee information.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today warned New York tax preparers and human resources professionals of new scams aimed at stealing confidential client and employee information.

Photo Credit: WalletHub

"As technology continues to advance, cyber thieves and scammers are using more and more sophisticated methods to try and steal personal information to defraud hardworking New Yorkers," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "There must be zero tolerance for these schemes and I encourage everyone – especially those in these fields – to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious inquiries to state and local authorities."

The scams run the gamut from targeting payroll and human resource professional by pretending to be company executives and requesting personal employee information to scammers posing as support providers for community tax preparers and telling them they need to connect to their website to transmit the files.

In a nationwide scheme, scammers are obtaining the taxpayer information by sending tax professionals two emails: In the first, a “client” requests tax preparation assistance; in the second, scammers provide a link or attach a PDF that contains a link that allows them to steal the tax preparer’s email address and password.

“Taxpayers must stay vigilant against these crimes, particularly during tax season when malicious individuals attempt to exploit unwitting taxpayers," said Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone. "If you receive a call from someone you suspect is posing as a Tax Department employee, or you are concerned that you have been the victim of identity theft, we want to know."

 For help, visit the Tax Department’s Report website.

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