Security Tips for Tax Season

With the arrival of tax season, the IT Services Security Team has important tips to keep the campus community safe as they file their taxes. 

Whether you e-file, visit an agency or use an accountant, follow these tips to protect yourself from scammers:

1. Do not include Social Security numbers (SSN) on draft tax returns. These are vulnerable to theft as they travel between you and your tax preparer. 
2. Be alert to phishing emails and phone calls asking for personal information. Neither the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), legitimate banks or tax preparers will ever ask for sensitive information through email. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails or phone calls with threats of lawsuits or jail.
3. Be aware of fake IRS notices about tax returns you did not file, income you did not receive or employers you have never worked for.
4. Never discard tax return documents in the trash. Always shred the documents after the IRS recommended period of three years. 
5. If you feel you are a victim of identity theft, contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit account.
   • www.equifax.com/creditreportassistance; 888-766-0008
   • www.experian.com/fraudalert; 888-397-3742
   • www.transunion.com/fraud; 800-680-7289

Please contact the IT Services Security Team at security@uark.edu with any questions or concerns regarding suspicious emails.