Gov. Hochul Warns New Yorkers Of Scammers Targeting Inflation Refund Checks: What To Know

NEW YORK CITY — Governor Kathy Hochul is warning New Yorkers against inflation refund checks scams targeting residents through text messages, email, phone calls and direct mail.

Scammers are falsely claiming that New Yorkers must submit accurate payment information in order to receive an inflation refund check, supposedly so revenue agencies can deposit money into a taxpayer's bank account.

The New York State Tax Department and the IRS will not call or text New Yorkers with requests for any personal information, according to Hochul.

“New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements,” Hochul said. “With scams targeting the state’s inflation refund initiative, let me be clear: The Tax Department and the IRS do not call or text individuals for personal information. My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect yourself from being a victim.”

Eligible New Yorkers do not need to apply, sign up, or do anything to receive an inflation refund check.

Last week, Hochul announced that the checks will be mailed to residents throughout October and November.

The checks will be up to $400, depending on eligibility, and cost the state $2 billion.

People who were New York residents and filed a state income tax return in 2023 are eligible, depending on how much they made that year. People who were claimed as dependents for that year aren't eligible, officials said.

Individuals who made a state-adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less would be eligible for a $200 check, and individuals with a state-adjusted gross income of up to $150,000 would be eligible for a $150 check.

Joint filers with a state-adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less will get $400, and joint filers with a state-adjusted gross income of between $150,000 and $300,000 would be eligible for $300.

If you receive one of these messages appearing to be from the Tax Department, block the sender, delete the message, and report this scam to the Tax Department or IRS, officials said.

Follow these best practices to help keep your personal information safe and prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

• If you receive a threatening phone call regarding your taxes, hang up immediately.
• Never agree to meet anyone who claims to be a tax representative in person to hand over payment for a debt.
• Don’t provide personal information in an email or click suspicious links in an email asking for personal information.

If you’ve been scammed or think you’ve received an email, phone call, or text that seems suspicious, report it, Hochul said.