According to the Federal Trade Commission, tax-related fraud is one of the most common forms of identity theft in the U.S. 

Criminals initiate tax-related scams to steal identities (Social Security numbers and personal data) so that they can fraudulently obtain tax refunds in advance of the proper recipients. Scammers also launder money through victims’ bank accounts and impersonate professionals, taking your money only to disappear. 

Learn how to protect yourself, report scams, and what to do if you’ve been scammed.

Protect Yourself from Scams

• Only take tax advice, or entrust your filing, to qualified tax professionals.
• Be wary of any telephone or email messages claiming to be from the IRS.
• Messages that demand immediate payment, or request your personal information, including your Social Security number or username and password for e-filing, should be treated with extreme caution.
• The IRS will never send an email requesting that you download, upload, or access your tax transcripts.
• The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers through email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

Phishing

University students and employees of educational institutions have historically been targeted in impersonation email scams. The phishing messages display the IRS logo and feature subject lines like “Tax Refund Payment” and “Recalculation of your tax refund payment.” 

If you receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links or open any attachments. Emails like these rely on you accidentally downloading malware, or handing over your personal information, which the scammer can use to steal your identity.

Erroneous Refunds

Another quickly growing scam involves criminals depositing illegally obtained refunds into the bank accounts of unsuspecting individuals. By doing so, they avoid automated fraud detection systems. 

To collect the money, they telephone the recipient, posing as a fraud investigator or law enforcement, and demand immediate repayment lest the victim be subject to criminal penalties. The caller sounds very authentic. Many victims hand over the funds under threats and intimidation.

The IRS published an alert on this tax refund scam, including the safe way to properly return an erroneous refund.

Report Scams

If you are targeted by a scam, you can report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. 

For help with IT security-related issues, you can also contact itsecurity@cornell.edu.

Take Action if You've Been Scammed

If you have lost money or personal information to a scammer, take steps as recommended by the IRS to limit further damage. 

If you suspect that your NetID or Cornell email have been compromised, please report the security incident.

Resources and Tips

• IT@Cornell: Identity Theft Resources
• IRS.gov: Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
• IRS.gov: Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft
• Identity Theft Resource Center: Tax Identity Theft
• National Cyber Security Alliance: Stay Safe Online During Tax Time