Connecticut: Beware the Latest Tax Scam

gI_154629_rs_1040_money2State tax collectors are warning of an online scheme in which thieves are posing as Department of Revenue Services agents and using email to steal taxpayer information.

DRS Commissioner Kevin Sullivan said taxpayers are receiving e-mail messages about a “Connecticut state income tax verification exercise.” They are then directed to link to a phony website that looks like an official DRS website and asked to disclose confidential information.

“Disclosing the information results in identity theft and likely fraudulent income refund claims in the name of the taxpayer,” Sullivan said. The phishing attacks appear to originate outside of the United States, Sullivan said.

He said the email message reads as follows: “Due to routine check and validation of our new website, you are required to download the attachment CT STATE INCOME TAX VERIFICATION EXERCISE to validate your details on CT database to enable you log in and view your W2 for the oncoming 2015 Income Tax Return exercise.”

It continues with: “Failure to update your details will result to termination of your account. DRS Home CT.gov home FAQs Feedback/Questions State of Connecticut Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. Copyright © 2002-2015 State of Connecticut.”

Sullivan said DRS never contacts taxpayers this way. “Don’t get scammed. Do not open or reply to this e-mail. Do not open the linked site however official it may look,” he said.

Source: Connecticut Post