Faculty and staff should be wary of child tax credit scams

In July, the IRS started sending child tax credit payments to eligible families. Anytime the IRS issues payments, there is an increased risk of scammers impersonating government employees to get sensitive information from you, and the IRS recently issued this warning regarding these payments.  Here are some of the tips they provide to help you safeguard yourself against potential thieves and scammers:

• Be wary of any service that offers to get you “early access” to funds

• Remember that the IRS will not call, email, or text about these child tax credits or any other service

• When it comes to phone calls, remember the IRS does not leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages. For example, if you get a voice mail saying a warrant will be issued for your arrest, then it is not from the IRS

• Never give out personal information via a phone call, text, or email without verifying the sender

• It is never a good idea to respond to social media requests concerning your personal information

If you worry you have been contacted by a scammer, or if you have experienced any losses due to a tax scam, please contact the IRS directly.