Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a warning to New Yorkers about scams related to the state’s inflation refund initiative. According to the Governor, scammers are contacting taxpayers through text messages, voice messages, emails, and direct mail in an attempt to collect personal information under false pretenses.
The fraudulent messages claim that recipients must provide accurate payment information so revenue agencies can deposit inflation refund checks into their bank accounts. However, both the New York State Tax Department and the IRS have stated they will not contact individuals by phone or text to request personal details.
“New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements,” Governor Hochul said. “With scams targeting the state’s inflation refund initiative, let me be clear: The Tax Department and the IRS do not call or text individuals for personal information. My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect yourself from being a victim.”
Eligibility for receiving an inflation refund check does not require any application or sign-up process. Residents who filed a tax return, fall below income thresholds, and were not claimed as dependents by others will automatically receive a check. The distribution of over 8.2 million checks began recently and will continue throughout October and November. More details on eligibility are available at ny.gov/inflationrefund.
Officials advise that anyone receiving suspicious communications purportedly from the Tax Department should block the sender, delete the message, and report it either to the Tax Department or IRS. The agency does not use text messages, email, direct mail, or social media platforms to ask for personal tax information.
To reduce risk of falling victim to these scams, authorities recommend several safety measures: hang up immediately if you receive threatening calls regarding taxes; never agree to meet someone claiming to be a tax representative in person for payment; avoid providing personal data via email or clicking on suspicious links requesting such information.
Individuals who suspect they have been targeted by a scam are encouraged to report it promptly for review and possible corrective action. Additional resources on taxpayer scams can be found at the Division of Consumer Protection’s Taxpayer Scam webpage. For identity theft prevention support, residents may call 800-697-1220 or visit the Division’s Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program webpage.
