03/21/2022
PSA from NYS Tax Department:
Protect your sensitive information
Tax season always brings increased risk of tax scams, including identity theft and fraud. This year is no exception, especially with growing concerns about cyberattacks due to the global crisis in Ukraine.
We take important steps to safeguard your personal information, but you must play a role in keeping your confidential information from falling into the wrong hands.
Follow these simple tips to learn how to protect your confidential data now and throughout the year.
Be on the lookout for unsolicited emails and telephone calls asking for personal information.
Never share personal information (for example, your Social Security number or bank account number) in response to an unsolicited email or telephone call. If you receive an unexpected email or call from a company you do business with, check with the company before you respond and use the contact information on its website (not in the email you received) to confirm the contact is legitimate.
Secure your mobile devices.
Apply software updates that patch known vulnerabilities to fraud as soon as they become available. Use the security features on your phone or tablet (like a passcode) and enable programs that encrypt data and remotely delete the contents if your device is lost or stolen.
Be careful with Wi-Fi hotspots.
Public wireless hotspots are not secure, which means that it’s easy for cyberthieves to see what you are doing on your mobile device while you are connected. Limit what you do on public Wi-Fi and avoid logging into sensitive accounts, like online banking.
Know your apps.
Thoroughly review the details and specifications of an app before you download it. Review and understand the privacy policy of each mobile app. Be aware that the app may request access to your location and personal information.
Be cautious about the information you share on social media.
Avoid posting your birthdate, telephone number, home address, or images that identify your job or hobbies. This type of information can be used to determine answers to security questions required to reset passwords and use them to target your accounts and personal information.
Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
When it comes to passwords, the longer the better. Fourteen characters is the current industry standard. Use a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols.
To help you remember it, consider using the first letters of a memorable phrase to create your complex password.
Remember to use a different password for each account, and change them often.
Vary your security questions.
Don't use the same security questions on multiple accounts. Select security questions for which the answers cannot be guessed or found by searching social media or the internet.
Use two-step verification to access accounts.
To enhance the security of online accounts, require a password and an extra security code whenever possible to verify your identity when you sign in.
Beware of phishing.
Don't click on links, download files, or open attachments in emails from unknown senders. Open attachments only when you are expecting them and know what they contain, even if you know the sender.
Report fraud, scams, and identity theft.
If you're a victim, or believe you may be a victim, of tax-related identity theft, alert us immediately. We'll track your information to help keep it private and protected.
For more taxpayer scam information and resources, visit:
• IRS: Identity Theft Central
• Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud
• Federal Trade Commission identity theft
• Federation of Tax Administrators: State ID Theft Resources
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