Beware of scam artists seeking personal information to "confirm" taxpayers are eligible for a tax rebate. If you receive a call seeking personal information, hang up and report the call to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection line at 1 (800) 771-7755.

The New York State Tax Department has learned that scam artists have contacted taxpayers to allegedly help them receive 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.

The Department always makes first contact by letter, which includes a phone number you can contact 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.