Protect Yourself from Tax Fraud | Cyber Security | UC Davis Health

Tax season inspires fraudsters to send fraudulent e-mail messages that look like legitimate tax communications. Don’t become another victim. The IRS estimates that identity thieves have already stolen more than $11 billion in tax fraud since 2012. IRS, States and Tax Industry Combat Identity Theft and Refund Fraud on Many Fronts

Be on alert!

Don't fall prey to these typical tax scams.

• Any message asking for W-2 or other tax information
• Authentic looking emails impersonating UC communications about accessing your W-2
• Messages that look like they are from executive management requesting copies of employee W-2s for review purposes
• Unexpected phone calls about such messages, or asking you to install software

Protect yourself!

• Access your W-2 statement directly through UC’s At Your Service or UCPath website instead of clicking on a link in an email.
• Use known contact information to verify any request for W-2 or other tax information, even if it looks like it’s from someone you know. It's advisable to call your contact before you send information.
• Do not reply to emails that ask for your password or SSN.

But don’t stop there!

Here are eight important cybersecurity habits to help protect your information, your family and your work.

Resources

• IRS list of current tax scams
• UC Systemwide Information Security