Ohio Warns Taxpayers About Email Scams

The Ohio Department of Taxation warns taxpayers to be alert for suspicious email communications that may appear to be from the Ohio Department of Taxation.  If you receive an email from someone claiming to represent the Department of Taxation, the Department asks to keep the following in mind:

• The Department will NOT send emails with links directing you to download and install software.
• The Department will NOT request detailed personal information through email.
• The Department will NOT send email requesting you to respond by providing your user ID, password, or financial information such as details of accounts or credit cards.

The Department advises that if you receive a suspicious email, take the following steps to protect yourself:

• Do not reply.
• Do not open any attachments, as they could infect your computer.
• Do not click on any links. If you have clicked on links in a suspicious email or website and entered confidential information, visit the Federal Trade Commission website (www.ftc.gov) and review the commission’s information on identity theft.
• Forward the suspicious email to [email protected] for investigation, then be sure to delete the email.

There are various ways to spot a suspicious email.  Look for an email address with domain names that do not appear to be associated with the organization the email is supposed to be from.  For example, Official Department of Taxation communications will not be issued from a public domain email account such as [email protected] or [email protected].  Additionally, look for links in the email that do not match the Web address that you intend to visit.  For example, if you hover your mouse cursor over a link in an email, the Web address (or URL) that is displayed should match the link referenced in the email message. Taxpayers should beware of emails that threaten loss of service if you do not respond by a certain date.  For example: “Your account will not be valid after June 1 if you do not follow the instructions in this email.”  Taxpayers should also beware of emails that ask you to supply confidential information, such as account numbers, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.  Finally, taxpayers should beware of emails that ask to install software by clicking on a link the email message. If you are unsure whether an email you received is valid or not, call the Department directly to confirm that you were contacted by email.  If you have already been the victim of fraud via a fake email from the Department, contact local law enforcement to file an incident report.  For more information on these email scams, visit www.tax.ohio.gov. _____ This information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Readers should consult with qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances before taking any action based on the information presented.