NCDOR warns taxpayers about fraudulent state refund text message scam

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Revenue is warning taxpayers to be on alert for fraudulent text messages claiming to be about state tax refunds.

According to the NCDOR, some taxpayers have received unsolicited text messages that appear to come from the agency. The messages reference a tax refund but do not list a tax year or refund amount. Instead, they prompt recipients to enter or confirm payment information through a link.

The messages also claim that failure to provide the requested information could result in “permanent forfeiture” of the refund.

State officials say that type of language is a common tactic used by scammers to create fear and pressure recipients into acting quickly without verifying the information.

The NCDOR emphasized that it does not communicate about tax refunds through text messages.

Taxpayers who receive a message claiming to be from the department about a refund are advised to delete it immediately and not click on any links.

Officials say links in fraudulent texts and emails are commonly used to steal personal information and commit identity theft.