401/68 Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Cybersecurity authorities have issued a warning about a new scam in the United States after detecting a Smishing campaign (phishing via SMS) targeting New Yorkers. Threat actors are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, claiming to be part of an “Inflation Refund Initiative” in order to trick victims into clicking a link and providing personal and banking information.
When victims click the link, they are redirected to a fake website mimicking the Department of Taxation’s official page. The site contains a Check Refund button prompting users to enter sensitive details such as name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security Number (SSN). This stolen information could then be used for identity theft or unauthorized financial transactions. In reality, New York State’s legitimate Inflation Refund program issues refund checks automatically to eligible individuals—no application or data submission is required.
Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Department of Taxation and Finance have issued a public advisory stressing that government agencies will never reach out via text message, phone call, or email to request personal information about refunds. Residents are urged to avoid clicking on links from unknown senders, refrain from replying or sharing personal data with impersonators, and report suspicious activity to the Department of Taxation immediately to prevent falling victim to this scam.
