Scam alert: Phone calls from Tax Department hotline numbers are actually from scam artists

Scam artists are using state tax department fraud hotline phone numbers to trick their victims into believing the calls are legitimate, demanding payment on iTunes gift cards and reloadable debit cards.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance warned residents today that the tax department does not use its fraud hotline phone numbers for outgoing calls, and if those phone numbers appear on a caller ID, it’s an “immediate signal” that the caller is a scam artist.

The phone numbers are: 518-457-5181 and 518-457-0578.

Scam artists are manipulating caller ID systems to make those tax department phone numbers appear on a resident’s caller ID.

Anyone who receives a phone call from someone claiming to be from the tax department can verify if it is legitimate by contacting the tax department call center at 518-457-5434. A live representative will be able to verify any tax issues a resident may or may not have.

Taxpayers can also create an online account directly with the tax department (tax.ny.gov) to confirm any tax liabilities and manage tax matters securely online. A caller claiming something that doesn’t match up with a taxpayer’s online account is a warning sign, officials say.

Anyone who has been contacted by someone attempting a scam, or who has been the victim of fraud or identity theft, should report the incident by visiting the Tax Department’s website.