States Warn of Tax Refund Text Scams
By Greg Collier
State tax agencies are once again warning residents to be cautious about fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal and financial information. Following reports of fake texts in New Jersey earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Treasury has now issued its own alert after receiving complaints of similar activity.
In New Jersey, scammers have been sending messages that claim to come from the Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation. The texts state that a refund request has been processed and approved but warn that if payment details are not submitted by a specified deadline, the refund will be permanently forfeited under the New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act. The Division of Taxation has confirmed that these messages are not legitimate and has explained that text communication is used only in limited circumstances when requested through its phone system. Officials emphasize that residents should avoid clicking links or replying to such texts, since doing so can lead to spoofed websites that mimic official branding and request sensitive financial details. Replying with a single character such as “Y” can also be an attempt by scammers to bypass cell phone security safeguards.
The Michigan Department of Treasury has reported nearly identical tactics. Residents have received texts that falsely claim to be from the agency, with messages urging them to update payment information or risk forfeiting their refunds. The Treasury has made clear that it never sends unsolicited text messages to request sensitive information and that official correspondence with taxpayers is conducted through letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Officials urge residents to delete suspicious messages and to contact the department directly with any questions about refunds or tax obligations. The state’s Individual Income Tax Information Line can also be used to log these scams and verify tax information.
Authorities in both states describe these fraudulent texts as another tool in the cybercriminal playbook. They rely on urgency and the appearance of official language to pressure recipients into surrendering personal data. Cybersecurity experts note that links embedded in such messages often lead to convincing but fraudulent websites designed to capture bank account or credit card details.
These scams also take advantage of the psychology of tax season. Residents may already be anticipating communication about refunds or tax issues, and scammers exploit this expectation by imitating the formal language of government. References to state statutes or threats of forfeiture are designed to create an appearance of authority and urgency, making recipients more likely to respond without questioning the message’s authenticity.
Smishing campaigns have historically focused on banks, shipping companies, and retailers, but government agencies have increasingly become the target. By impersonating tax departments or other state offices, scammers add a layer of credibility that makes their messages seem harder to dismiss. This evolution reflects a broader trend in cybercrime, where attackers adjust their tactics to exploit the most trusted institutions and the most stressful times of year.
As tax agencies across different states continue to issue similar warnings, the pattern highlights the adaptability of smishing campaigns and the importance of public awareness. Residents who receive suspicious messages are advised to treat them with caution, verify claims directly with state agencies, and avoid engaging with any request for personal or financial information delivered by text.
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