Tax Season Increases Risk of Identity Theft

With the arrival of tax season, the risk of identity theft increases. During this time of the year, scammers will send phishing messages in an attempt to maneuver you into providing them with your personal data, including W-2, banking and other personal information.

You can protect yourself though. Do not respond to any electronic requests for W-2 information. Do not click on links or open attachments included in emails, even if the email appears to have come from a legitimate source, such as the IRS. Instead, open a new Internet browser and type the web address directly into the search bar to check your account. Remember…the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, phone, text or social media.

If you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, report it immediately. If available in your Outlook client, click the Report Phishing button. Otherwise, you can send the original email as an attachment to abuse@missouri.edu, or call the IT Help Desk at 573.882.5000.

Feb. 1, 2019