Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday warned New Yorkers of scammers who are sending text messages, voice messages, emails and direct mail to taxpayers in an attempt to spread false information about New York State's inflation refund checks.
The messages falsely claim that New Yorkers must submit accurate payment information in order to receive an inflation refund check, supposedly so revenue agencies can deposit money into a taxpayer's bank account. The New York State Tax Department and the Internal Revenue Service will not call or text New Yorkers with requests for any personal information, the governor said.
Eligible New Yorkers do not need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check throughout October and November.
If you receive one of these messages appearing to be from the Tax Department, block the sender, delete the message, and report the scam to the Tax Department or IRS. The Tax Department does not use text messages, email, direct mail or social media to request your personal tax information.
“New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements,” Hochul said in a statement. “My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect yourself from being a victim.”
Click here to see an example of a scam text message. For more information on eligibility and other details, visit the New York State Tax Department's webpage at ny.gov/inflationrefund.
