An ongoing text message scam is targeting New Yorkers, impersonating the Department of Taxation and Finance to steal personal and financial information by falsely promising “Inflation Refunds.” These fraudulent messages trick victims into clicking a malicious link that leads to a fake website designed to harvest sensitive data.
The state of New York is currently sending “Inflation Refund” checks to eligible residents to help them manage the high cost of living. This initiative automatically sends these payments to taxpayers who meet specific income requirements and filed a tax return, with no action needed on their part. New Yorkers don’t have to apply, sign up, or provide any personal information to receive their checks, which are automatically mailed to qualified individuals.
A new text message scam is targeting residents, claiming to be part of this official initiative. The messages urge recipients to click a link to “process” their refund, creating a sense of urgency. The fake texts often say that a refund has been approved and requires payment information by a specific date to avoid forfeiture of the funds. This is a common tactic used to pressure people into acting quickly without thinking. Clicking the link takes victims to a fraudulent website that looks like the New York Department of Taxation and Finance page.
Once on the scam website, visitors are prompted to submit personal information, including their name, address, Social Security Number, and financial details. The criminals behind this scheme use this sensitive data to commit identity theft and financial fraud. The scam has become so widespread that Governor Kathy Hochul’s office issued a public warning about it, reminding residents that the state will never contact them by text, email, or phone to request personal information for this refund.
Both the Governor and the New York Department of Taxation and Finance have emphasized that taxpayers should be cautious. The state will never contact people by text, phone, or email about these inflation refund checks. To protect themselves, New Yorkers should avoid clicking on links from unexpected messages, hang up on suspicious calls, and never agree to meet anyone in person to discuss tax payments. If you believe you have received one of these scam messages or have fallen victim to the scam, you should report it immediately to the Department of Taxation and Finance or the IRS.
Reference:
