UC Davis' Information Security Office wants campus affiliates to review the Internal Revenue Service annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams. The IRS emphasizes that they “continue to see scam artists use the pandemic to steal money and information from honest taxpayers in a time of crisis.” The IRS estimates that identity thieves have stolen billions via tax fraud. Don’t become another victim!

Be on the alert for: 

• Any message asking for W-2 or other tax information.
• Authentic looking emails impersonating UC or UC Davis communications about accessing your W-2.
• Messages that look like they are from executive management requesting copies of employee W-2s for review purposes.
• Messages with links that encourage you to click on them, offer you something for nothing, or threaten you.
• Any message asking for your user ID or passwords.
• Unexpected phone calls about tax information or charitable donations or calls asking you to install software.
• Messages using keywords such as "coronavirus," "COVID-19," and "Stimulus.”

Protect yourself:

• To access your W-2 statement, visit the University of California UCPath website via MyUCDavis portal instead of clicking on a link in an email. 
• Use a different way to validate any request for W-2 or other tax information, even if it looks like a legitimate request. For example, if you receive an email, call the person to verify.
• Do not reply to emails asking for your password or SSN.
• Familiarize yourself with the IRS’ "Dirty Dozen" tax scams so you recognize them.
• If you need to report a security incident, email cybersecurity@ucdavis.edu.

Additional Information: IRS Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts