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02/27/25 - CyberSafe Monthly - Avoid Scams During Tax & Travel Seasons

SUBJECT: CyberSafe Monthly - Avoid Scams During Tax & Travel Seasons
DATE: February 27, 2025
SENDER: Information Security and Privacy Office
AUDIENCE: Students, Faculty, and Staff

Newsletter header with 'CyberSafe Monthly' and an illustration of Gnarls Narwhal wearing a t-shirt with a cybersecurity shield.

Springtime activities like travel and tax season can attract scammers, so it's important to stay vigilant. Whether you’re traveling for spring break or rushing to file your taxes on time, use the tips below to avoid falling prey to popular springtime scams.

‌Avoid Tax Scams and IRS Impersonators

With tax season upon us, be wary of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails that claim to be from the IRS or request your W-2 form information or IRS PIN. The IRS only communicates via traditional mail using the official IRS letterhead; they will never initiate contact via phone, email, or text.

Illustration of Gnarls receiving a spam call from the 'IRS' with a phone showing 'IRS' as the caller.

Take Action: Review the IRS guidance on common tax scams and fraud. If you receive a suspicious message, visit the IRS Phishing site to verify information and report any tax scams by forwarding the email or website to phishing@irs.gov. If the scam arrived in your New School inbox, please forward it to IT Central to help protect our community.

Traveling for Spring Break? Protect Yourself by Using a VPN

As spring break approaches, ensure your location and devices are secure before you head out for some fun in the sun. A little preparation can help keep your information safe during your adventures.

Illustration of Gnarls holding a phone with Instagram vacation pics and a separate iphone with 'VPN' written on the screen.

Take Action: Update your phone and laptop software in advance, use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi, and be mindful of what you share on social media—sharing your location can bring fake travel deals and discounts that may trick you into providing personal info or downloading malicious software.

Don't Get Hooked! Review the Latest Phishing Scams

Our Phish Bowl is a collection of the most recent scam messages sent to members of the community. Review a few of the recent scams below and be sure to report any suspicious emails to IT Central.

Illustration of Gnarls 'phishing' from a fish bowl.

Latest Phishing Scams:

For additional information, visit our Data Privacy page or email ispo@newschool.edu.

REPORT A PHISH

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