Connecticut's attorney general has issued a warning to state residents about tax scams.

A national consumer survey says fake tax preparers and identity thieves are the biggest scams affecting Connecticut. In response, Attorney General William Tong and the state consumer protection commissioner offered some tips to stay safe.

They say to never give your Social Security number out over the phone and look out for extra tax notices that don't apply to you -- that's a red flag that someone suspicious is trying to get your personal information.

Tong says the IRS and state Revenue Department will never call you -- but that's exactly what scammers do.

"They say, 'You owe us money,' or, 'You're delinquent, and if you don't want to go to jail, you'd better give us your credit card number or your Social Security number,'" says Tong.

Another defense is filing taxes early, so that a fake return will set off red flags.

"Once they have that personal information, they can steal your identity, perhaps open a bank account in your name, get a credit card, or file a fraudulent tax return," says Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull.

It's also important to research your tax preparer before telling them anything, and make sure they're registered with the state.

Connecticut has an entire Data Privacy Department designed to flag suspicious tax returns.

"We are constantly, constantly, and vigorously, updating our technology capabilities," says acting state Revenue Services Commissioner John Biello.

More information can be found below: