The Ohio Department of Taxation has issued a warning to taxpayers about fraudulent text messages posing as official tax notices. Officials say the tax scam is part of a broader trend this tax season, with criminals attempting to steal personal or financial information.
Tax officials warn that scammers send text messages designed to look like alerts from the Ohio Department of Taxation or the Internal Revenue Service. These messages often claim a problem with tax forms or that taxpayers owe unpaid local taxes. Some include a fake invoice or notice that urges recipients to respond immediately. Criminals may also spoof the caller ID to make the message appear legitimate and direct victims to a fraudulent website.
According to state and federal agencies, these messages aim to convince taxpayers to share personal or financial information. Scammers often request personal data such as Social Security numbers, PINs, or passwords. In some cases, victims are asked to log in to fake websites, where their details can be stolen and used to access financial accounts or other financial information.
Officials stress that legitimate agencies will not initiate contact through text messages, email, or social media to request sensitive details. Real notices are sent by mail, and taxpayers are encouraged to review suspicious communications carefully before taking action. The Ohio Department of Taxation notes that messages promising refunds, credits, or interest payments indicate fraud. Citizens receiving suspicious messages are urged not to click links, download attachments, or provide account access information.
The Internal Revenue Service has reported a sharp increase in text scam incidents during tax season, describing the trend as phishing on an industrial scale. Officials say thousands of taxpayers may receive fraudulent text messages simultaneously, with criminals creating fake websites to steal financial information.
The Ohio Department emphasizes that these scams put taxpayers at risk of identity theft, stolen tax forms, and unauthorized access to financial accounts. Victims may also face fraudulent filings made in their name. By filing complaints and reports quickly, officials can work with carriers and website hosts to block future scams and assist in shutting down networks used by scammers.
The Internal Revenue Service has reported that smishing incidents are increasing rapidly, placing thousands of taxpayers at risk during tax season. Federal authorities stress that these scams often involve fraudulent websites that steal financial accounts and other personal information. The Ohio Department of Taxation has also highlighted that legitimate agencies will never request personal or financial information by text message. It warns taxpayers to treat such messages as suspicious and report them immediately.
Taxpayers who fall for a text scam may face serious consequences. Criminals can use stolen Social Security numbers, passwords, or similar access information to file fraudulent tax forms, open accounts, or drain money from banks and other financial accounts. Victims sometimes receive fake invoices or notices demanding immediate payment, adding further financial pressure.
Authorities advise anyone receiving suspicious messages not to respond, click a link, or provide account details. Instead, taxpayers are urged to report scams directly to the Ohio Department of Taxation or the IRS and forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) so carriers can block future incidents. Taking these steps helps agencies track scammers and assist victims more effectively.
The Ohio Department of Taxation advises taxpayers to report suspicious text messages or emails by forwarding them to fraud@tax.ohio.gov. The department also reminds recipients that legitimate contact will come by official mail, not text messages or calls requesting personal or financial information.
The Internal Revenue Service provides additional support through its phishing@irs.gov reporting system and dedicated scam information page at IRS.gov. Taxpayers concerned about fraud or suspicious messages can also visit tax.ohio.gov for the latest information. Quick reporting helps federal and state authorities determine patterns, shut down fake websites, and prevent future scams during tax season.
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