As traveling and summer vacations increase, the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) reminds taxpayers that fraudsters do not take a summer break when it comes to identity theft. Please be aware of tactics such as card-skimming devices, hacking email accounts, phishing schemes, or using false pretenses.
ADOR has prepared the following checklist to assist taxpayers:
- Using public Wi-Fi can make you vulnerable and should be used with caution.
- Collect mail every day. Place a hold on your mail if you go on vacation.
- Monitor your bill cycles and examine unfamiliar debit and credit card charges.
- Posting your boarding pass on social media opens the door to also sharing the barcode, which discloses your confidential information.
- Protect your wallet and place a freeze on your accounts immediately if you suspect fraudulent activity.
- Lock up your identification cards, credit cards, and personal items when leaving them behind.
Taxpayers should be aware that the Department of Revenue will never:
- Call or text about taxes owed without first having sent an official notice.
- Demand immediate payment without providing you the opportunity to question or appeal the stated amount owed.
- Require you to use a specific payment method to pay your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
- Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
If a person gets a phone call from the ADOR requesting additional information, you can contact the department’s Customer Care Center at (602) 255-3381 or toll-free at 800-352-4090, to confirm the call was in fact from an ADOR official.
Arizonans can also contact the Department of Revenue’s Identity Theft Call Center at (602) 716-6300 or toll-free at 800-352-4090, or online at https://azdor.gov/
