Dear Chapman University Community

As we approach the end of tax season our new Information Security Officer, George Viegas, would like to take a moment to offer some tips to help you avoid scammers and their tricks. Please take a moment to read his statement below:

The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning yesterday that scammers may try using the April 18 tax deadline to prey on hard-working taxpayers by impersonating the IRS and others with fake emails and phone calls.  Here’s what you can do to stay safe as April 18 approaches:

  • Avoid Email Phishing Attempts
    • Never reply to emails, texts or pop-up messages asking for your personal, tax or financial information.
    • If you see an email that says “You won a free cruise” or “The IRS has a refund waiting for you,” odds are high that it is a phishing attempt looking to get your personal information.
  • Watch Out for Threatening Phone Calls claiming to be from IRS officials
    • Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official.
    • The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.

Please visit the IRS webpage  for further details on the scams and calls and tips on how best to respond!  Please also know that we at IS&T are here help as well.  If you have any question or concerns regarding your Chapman University account safety and security, please do not hesitate to contact the IS&T Service Desk at (714) 997-6600 or by email at servicedesk@chapman.edu.

Remember to follow Chapman University | Information Systems &Technology on FACEBOOK  for continued updates and information on important IS&T news and events.