The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is alerting taxpayers of the latest tactics being used by con artists.

They say scammers are cloning the department's fraud hotline phone numbers so they appear on caller ID , giving the impression that the calls are legitimate ones from the agency.

If either of the following Tax Department numbers appears on a caller ID system, it’s an immediate signal that the caller is a scam artist: 518-457-5181 or 518-457-0578.

The tax department says the phone numbers are for taxpayers making incoming calls and they don't use the numbers for outgoing calls.

New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone said, “Many of the imposters who call demand payments on iTunes gift cards and other reloadable debit cards, which are obvious red flags. I urge every New Yorker to remain vigilant for signs that a call could be a scam.”

If you’re unsure a caller claiming to be from the Tax Department is legitimate, contact the Tax Department call center at (518) 457-5434. A live representative will be able to verify any tax issues that you may have.

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