Protect yourself from possible scams and fraud with these safety reminders

Online and in real life, it’s important to be smart and savvy about possible scams and fraudulent activity. Whether it’s people promising big payouts during tax season or people impersonating officials, there are bad actors out there who are less than honest about their identities and intentions.

Below are some reminders for ways to stay safe and who to contact if you have questions:

Government officials

Unfortunately, it’s increasingly common for people to impersonate government and public officials like IRS staff, funding officers and state or federal agents.

If an individual claiming to be a government agent contacts you or comes to your office requesting information or access, whether or not you suspect fraud, you should contact:

• University of Pittsburgh Police Department at 412-624-2121 for help in verifying credentials and clarifying the purpose of their visit, as appropriate; and the Office of University Counsel at 412-624-5674 for advice about how to proceed.
• If the visit is related to a student, faculty or staff member on a Pitt-sponsored visa, you should next contact the Office of International Services (OIS) at 412-624-7120.
• Until the Pitt Police arrive, please ask the individuals to remain in the lobby/entrance area of your space, if applicable, and do not share information with them.
• If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a funding officer with whom you have not personally worked, get their information and check in with the Office of Sponsored Programs at OSP [at] pitt.edu to verify their credentials.

Media

Sometimes, people will call pretending to be members of the media to try to get access to information. The University’s Media Relations team is here to support you with all media requests, including vetting individuals to ensure they are legitimate journalists and providing you with resources you may need. Contact them at media [at] pitt.edu. And, remember: Only official spokespeople can speak to the media on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as an institution.

Tax scams and frauds

There are many varieties of tax scams. They often look to prey on people’s greatest needs and best intentions, offering big payouts if you provide financial details or pretending to be charities that can get you tax breaks. Take time to review the IRS website for more information on how they legitimately contact you, the most common scams and ways to contact the IRS with questions.

When in doubt, trust yourself. If something seems off, contact the resources above. An imposter might pressure you not to seek support, but a bona fide federal employee or journalist will understand.