- Scammers impersonate tax agencies to steal banking information using fake refund messages
- New York inflation rebates are automatic; no additional information needed
- Governor Hochul urges vigilance and warns that the IRS never contacts citizens to request personal data
Cybercriminals are leaning on New York State’s inflation rebate check initiative in an attempt to steal your banking information and, quite possibly, your money.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul warned citizens about an ongoing phishing campaign, impersonating the New York State Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
In the phishing message, which is distributed via SMS, voicemail, email, and direct mail, scammers urge their victims to provide them with accurate banking information so they can receive this refund.
Abuse key dates
New York Inflation Rebate Checks are one-time payments intended to offset rising costs of living. Depending on income and filing status, residents who filed their 2023 income taxes automatically received between $150 and $400, and about $2 billion was apparently distributed this way.
“Your refund request has been processed and approved. Please provide accurate payment information by September 19, 2025. Funds will be deposited into your bank account or mailed via paper check within 1 to 2 business days,” the phishing message reads.
“Failure to submit required payment information by September 19, 2025 will result in permanent forfeiture of this refund pursuant to New York Revised Statute ยง5747.11.”
The return process is automatic and citizens are not required to provide any information other than submitting income tax forms.
“Regarding scams targeting the state’s inflation rebate initiative, let me be clear: the Tax Department and the IRS do not call or text individuals to request personal information. My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect themselves from becoming a victim,” said Governor Hochul.
Scammers are known for using current events as topics for phishing and other scams. Tax filing and reporting season is just one of them, and major sporting events, religious events, key shopping dates, and more are also used.
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