NY Warns of Bogus Tax Department Calls From Scammers

Thursday, August 18, 2016 2:53 am | < 1 Minute Read

FILE - In this April 13, 2014 file photo, the Internal Revenue Service Headquarters (IRS) building is seen in Washington. An IRS watchdog says budget cuts to the agency are taking their toll _ and more are on the way under legislation that has advanced through a House panel. IRS budget cuts are hurting tax collections because there are fewer agents chasing delinquent taxpayers, according to a report released Wednesday by the Treasury inspector general for tax administration. The agency's budget has been cut by $1.2 billion since 2010. (AP Photo/J. David Ake, File) — The Internal Revenue Service Headquarters (IRS) building in Washington. Not everyone who claims they are the tax man really is. (AP Photo/J. David Ake, File)

New York tax officials are warning that scammers are using state phone numbers to try and convince people incoming calls are legitimate.

The Department of Taxation and Finance says the numbers showing up on caller ID systems — 518-457-5181 or 518-457-0578 — are department numbers. But they’re only used for incoming calls, not to reach out to taxpayers.

Commissioner Jerry Boone says the people posing as department representatives raise tax issues and say payments must be made using iTunes gift cards or other debit cards. He says that alone should be a “red flag” the call is bogus.

Anyone who believes they’ve gotten a scam call can contact the department at 518-457-5434 to check on their tax status.

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