As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, New York State officials are urging residents to stay alert for tax scams aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
“Scam artists continually adjust their tactics to steal sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals,” said Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. “It’s important to safeguard your confidential data – now and throughout the year.”
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley emphasized that tax scams are especially prevalent during tax season.
“Scammers often use this time to prey on consumers’ fears, exploiting financial stress to steal from hardworking New Yorkers,” Mosley said. “As tax season comes to a close, I urge everyone to take extra precautions to protect your identity and your finances.”
Common Tax Scams to Watch Out For
Understanding common tax scams can help reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Here are the most frequent types:
Impersonation Scams
Scammers may pose as IRS or Tax Department representatives and use fear tactics to coerce victims. Be cautious if you:
- Receive calls demanding immediate tax payments.
- Are threatened with arrest or deportation.
- Are asked to pay via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or in person.
Tip: Never share personal information like your Social Security number in response to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams often involve fake emails, texts, or websites that try to trick you into providing financial or personal data. For examples and tips, visit the Division of Consumer Protection’s Phishing Scam Prevention Tips.
Scam Letters
Fraudsters may send letters that appear to be from the Tax Department, demanding immediate payment for debts that don’t exist. These letters often urge payment through hard-to-trace methods like cryptocurrency or wire transfer.
Tip: Compare questionable letters with legitimate correspondence from the Tax Department. If you’re unsure, contact the department directly at 518-451-1566 or email [email protected].
How to Protect Yourself from Tax Scams
To avoid falling victim to tax scams, follow these best practices:
- Hang up on threatening phone calls about your taxes.
- Never meet someone claiming to be a tax official to pay a debt.
- Don’t provide personal details or click links in unsolicited emails.
- Use official websites and hotlines to verify suspicious communications.
Report Tax Scams Immediately
If you suspect you are a victim or target of a tax scam—whether by phone, email, or text—report it right away. Authorities review all complaints and take action as needed.
For more information about taxpayer scams and how to report them, visit the Division of Consumer Protection’s Taxpayer Scam page. You can also call the Consumer Helpline at 800-697-1220 or visit the Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program.
– 2025 Tax Season Coverage and Updates from FingerLakes1.com
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