It's tax season so scammers are out in full force. Here are some ways to protect yourself when you file your taxes. There are a few different ways that scammers are trying to steal your information during tax season. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance want you to guard against these scammers as much as possible. They may come at you through a phone call or gaining information through your computer.

According to News 10 ABC, there are a bunch of signs to look for to check if you are being compromised of important and personal information.

  1.  The most common is being threatened by phone. The scammer will claim that you owe back taxes and claim to be from the New York State Tax Department or an IRS agent. These agencies will never call you directly. They always either send a letter or an email.
  2. Emails are another way they try and steal your information and money. These emails contain links that, if you click on it, they can access some of your personal information. Check the spellings of these website links inside the emails and just delete them.
  3. Someone claiming to be from the state or IRS wants to meet you in person to collect debt. This will NEVER happen. If they call you to arrange to meet, hang up immediately.
  4. Asking for payment through a debit or iTunes gift card. The IRS does offer various ways to pay, but never a debit or gift card.

If you feel that you have fallen victim to one of these tax-related scams, or the attempt was made, you are urged to call the Tax Department immediately. You can also report scams on the Tax Department's website, HERE.

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