(AP) -- New Yorkers are being warned about scam artists trying to get personal information by offering to help them get tax rebates.

New York State Taxpayer Rights Advocate Margaret Neri says anyone who gets such a phone call should hang up and report the call to the attorney general's consumer protection line (800-771-7755).

She says the state Tax Department has learned that scam artists have contacted taxpayers and offered to help them receive a tax rebate. The callers are seeking personal information such as Social Security numbers.

She says the department always makes first contact by letter, which includes a phone number you can call to verify it was sent by the agency.