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WPCNR THE BOYKIN BEACON. From County Legislator, District 5, Benjamin Boykin. October 4, 2014:

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is warning residents about scam artists attempting to gain personal information by claiming victims are eligible for a tax rebate.

Initial reports are that the calls have been made in Central New York. However, the Department cautions all New Yorkers to be vigilant when being asked for personal information.

“Tax scammers will take advantage of any opportunity to solicit information-including social security numbers-from taxpayers,” New York State Taxpayer Rights Advocate Margaret Neri said in a statement.

The department always makes first contact by letter, which includes a phone number to verify that it was sent by the agency.

For the new Family Tax Relief and Property Tax Freeze Credits, the Department confirms eligibility using available data; taxpayers are not being contacted by telephone.

To report a scam, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau – 1-800-771-7755.

Sincerely,