The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has alerted taxpayers to the latest tactics being used by con artists. Scammers are cloning the Tax Department’s fraud hotline phone numbers so they appear on a taxpayer’s caller ID, giving the impression that these bogus calls are legitimate ones from the agency.
If either of the following Tax Department numbers appear on a caller ID system, it’s an immediate signal that the caller is a scam artist: 518-457-5181 or 518-457-0578. These phone numbers are for taxpayers making incoming calls to the Tax Department. The Tax Department doesn’t use these numbers for outgoing calls.
New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone said, “Many of the imposters who call demand payments on iTunes gift cards and other reloadable debit cards, which are obvious red flags. I urge every New Yorker to remain vigilant for signs that a call could be a scam.”
If you are unsure a caller claiming to be from the Tax Department is legitimate, contact the Tax Department call center at 518-457-5434. A live representative will be able to verify any tax issues you may have.
