Tax refund text scam resurfaces: DOR warns public not to click suspicious links

INDIANA – A renewed text message scam targeting taxpayers, requesting confirmation of bank account information for tax refund deposits, is currently circulating.

The Department of Revenue (DOR) is issuing a strict warning, clarifying that DOR will never send a text message asking for any payment information.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text

If you receive a text message claiming to be from the DOR, the department strongly advises the public to take the following precautions:

  • Do not click any links or respond to suspicious texts.
  • Do not share personal or financial information, including banking information, driver’s license number, Social Security number, or credit card details.
  • Do not reply to the message.
  • Contact DOR at 317-232-2240, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, to report the attempted scam.

If You Believe You Are a Victim

Individuals who suspect they may have fallen victim to this text message scam should act immediately to protect their identities and finances:

  • Immediately change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.
  • Contact your bank or financial institution to report the incident and take the necessary steps to protect your accounts, such as freezing or monitoring for suspicious activity.
  • Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file with all three credit bureaus.
  • Monitor activity on your accounts.
  • Report confirmed cases of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.

For additional resources and information on identity theft, the DOR directs the public to its  Identity Confirmation webpage.