Hochul Warns About Scammers Cashing In On NY's New Inflation Refund Initiative

NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul is warning New Yorkers about scammers who are sending text messages, voice messages, emails and direct mail to taxpayers in an attempt to spread false information about New York State inflation refund checks.

Hochul announced that the checks, first sent out Friday, are meant to help New Yorkers struggling with inflation.

The messages falsely claim 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, she said.

On Friday, Hochul announced that New York State's first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 were being sent to 8.2 million households statewide.

Starting Friday, checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue throughout October and November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check. Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers.

Inflation has driven the costs of everyday necessities higher and as a result, the state's revenue from the collection of sales tax has also increased; Hochul said she believes that money belongs to hardworking New York families and should be put back in their pockets as an inflation refund.

Individuals are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, they:

• Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return;
• Reported income within the qualifying thresholds below; and
• Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.

- Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.
- Joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check.
- Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.
- Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.

There are no age restrictions. Filers do not need to do anything to receive an inflation refund check.

But scammers are now capitalizing on the effort, she said.

"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.”

If you receive one of the messages appearing to be from the Tax Department, block the sender, delete the message, and report the scam to the Tax Department or IRS. The Tax Department does not use text messages, email, direct mail or social media to request your personal tax information.

By staying alert and knowing what to watch out for, you can reduce your risk of becoming a target of common tax scams.

Follow these tips, Hochul said, to help keep your personal information safe and prevent yourself from becoming a victim. In addition:

• 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 the state reviews all complaints promptly and, if appropriate, takes corrective action.

For more taxpayer scam information, visit the Division of Consumer Protection's Taxpayer Scam webpage. For additional identity theft prevention and mitigation resources, call the Consumer Helpline at 800-697-1220 or visit the Division’s Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program webpage.