Warning Signs of an Online Tax Scam:

• An email or link requesting personal and/or financial information, such as your name, social security number, bank or credit card account numbers, or any additional security-related information.

• Emails containing various forms of threats or consequences if no response is received, such as additional taxes or blocking access to your funds.

• Emails from the IRS or federal agencies. The IRS will not contact you via email, text messaging, or your social networks unless you have requested such.

• Emails containing exciting offers, tax refunds, incorrect spelling, grammar, or odd phrasing throughout.

• Emails discussing "changes to tax laws." These email scams typically include a downloadable document (usually in PDF format) that purports to explain the new tax laws. However, unbeknownst to many, these downloads are almost always populated with malware that, once downloaded, will infect your computer.

How To Avoid Being a Victim:

• Never Send Sensitive Information in an Email. Information sent through email can be intercepted by criminals. Make sure to consistently check your financial account statements and your credit report for any signs of unauthorized activity.

• Carefully Select the Sites You Purposefully Visit. Safely searching for tax forms, advice on deductibles, tax preparers, and other similar topics requires great caution. NEVER visit a site by clicking on a link sent in an email, found on someone's blog, or in an advertisement. The websites you land on might look like legitimate sites, but can also be very well-crafted fakes.

• Be on the Watch for Fake IRS  and Bank Scams. The IRS will not contact you via electronic communication without your request, nor does it advertise on websites. Additionally, if an email appears to be from your employer or bank claiming there is an issue that requires you to verify personal information, this is most likely a scam as well. Don’t respond to these types of emails; always contact the entity directly.

• Always Utilize Strong Passwords. Cybercriminals have developed programs that automate the ability to guess your passwords. To best protect yourself, make your passwords difficult to guess. Passwords should have a minimum of nine characters and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Robotics Sessions

The Instructional Technology Team hosted some robotics sessions during the Winter Training Series. Teachers came and learned how to use the variety of robots we have available in the district. Everyone had a blast! They took turns programing and completing different robotics challenges in small groups. At the end, ideas for classrooms connections were shared out. It's been exciting that participants now are integrating the robotics into their classrooms! Interested in learning robotics for your classroom? Reach out to your Tech Coach!