Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a warning to New Yorkers about scams targeting the state’s inflation refund initiative. Scammers are reportedly sending text messages, voice messages, emails, and direct mail to taxpayers, falsely claiming that recipients must provide payment information in order to receive an inflation refund check. These communications suggest that revenue agencies need bank account details to deposit funds.
Governor Hochul stated, “New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements. 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.”
According to state officials, eligible residents are not required to apply or sign up for the checks. Those who filed a tax return, fall below income thresholds, and were not claimed as dependents will automatically receive a check. The distribution of more than 8.2 million checks across New York began recently and is expected to continue through October and November. Additional details on eligibility can be found at the New York State Tax Department’s webpage at ny.gov/inflationrefund.
The Tax Department emphasized it does not request personal tax information via text message, email, direct mail or social media. Residents who receive suspicious messages should block the sender, delete the message, and report it either to the Tax Department or IRS.
To protect themselves from scams related to taxes:
– Hang up immediately if you receive threatening phone calls about your taxes.
– Do not agree to meet anyone in person who claims they represent tax authorities for payment purposes.
– Avoid providing personal information in response to emails or clicking links asking for such data.
Those who suspect they have been targeted by a scam are encouraged to report it promptly so appropriate action can be taken.
Further resources on taxpayer scams are available at the Division of Consumer Protection’s Taxpayer Scam webpage. For identity theft prevention support, residents can call 800-697-1220 or visit the Division’s Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program webpage.
