ALERT: Tax fraud attempts resurfacing

Monday, February 4, 2019

This information was sent to the IT Security Community and Frontline Notify groups via email on February 4, 2019.

We are once again hearing of attempts at identity theft and tax fraud at U-M as we do every tax season. Please help us remind the U-M community to Beware of Tax Fraud via phishing and phone scams. Consider sharing the information below through email and posting one of our posters or digital signs, including posters for Michigan Medicine.

Phishing and Tax Fraud

Identity thieves may send phishing email claiming to be from U-M administrative units or the IRS that:

  • Asks you to update or validate information using fake U-M login pages, fraudulent Google forms, and more. The email may ask for personal information such as birthdate, Social Security number, and more that can be used to impersonate you and file a false tax return. Do not provide this information.
  • Directs you to a fake U-M login page in an attempt to steal your login information. That information can ben be used to download your W-2 and get information for filing a false tax return in your name. See Phishing scams targeting W-2s for tax fraud.

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. For more detail, see IRS: Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts.

Phone Scams and Tax Fraud

People across the country report receiving phone calls during tax season from con artists claiming to be from the IRS. The callers may threaten tax-related legal action and demand immediate payment. They may ask for personal information. Do not provide information or money. See Phone Scams and Voice Phishing (Vishing).

The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.

If You Suspect You Got Caught

  • U-M accounts. If you think your U-M account may have been compromised, report it to the ITS Service Center. This allows Information and Technology Services (ITS) staff to check your account for signs of unauthorized logins and other criminal activity.
  • Tax fraud. The IRS provides information about reporting tax fraud and verifying IRS contact at IRS: Report Phishing and Online Scams.

References