Sent on behalf of Chief Information Security Officer, Helen Patton
BEWARE: Tax Information Phishing Schemes
We are seeing an increase of phishing emails offering users attachments, links or instructions for downloading their W-2 form. These are fraudulent emails designed to steal your identity and Social Security number.
Tips for spotting a scam:
1. Verify the sender’s address.
2. Verify your email address is in the “to” field.
3. Poor spelling and grammar are red flags.
4. The message should never ask you for personal information. You don’t have to provide your Social Security number to get your W-2.
5. Be careful of links! Hover over links to check that the address matches what the link says or simply type the address of the website you want to visit in your browser yourself.
Your authentic Ohio State W-2 form will have the subject line: IMPORTANT TAX RETURN DOCUMENT AVAILABLE and will be available starting on Friday, January 15.
If you receive a suspicious email, please report it by sending it to report-phish@osu.edu. If you have questions about your W-2, please follow up with the Payroll Department at (614) 292-2311 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
For more information about phishing attacks, please visit https://ocio.osu.edu/itsecurity/buckeyesecure/phishing.
