Phishing Alert: Fraudulent Texts Target Pennsylvanians in Refund Scam

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne issued a warning yesterday about a phishing scam targeting Pennsylvanians. This scam involves text messages that are fraudulent that pretend to be officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, which tries to dupe recipients into sharing both financial and personal information that is sensitive. According to that same release from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, here is some more information about this scam and some tips for how to avoid it:

  • Similar reports have surfaced in Philadelphia, where the city’s Department of Revenue has also seen residents targeted by deceptive texts. These messages often include links to fake websites and request banking details under the pretense of processing a refund.
  • The scam is not limited to Pennsylvania. State revenue agencies in California, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Missouri have also reported similar fraudulent activity, indicating a coordinated effort to exploit taxpayers across the country.
  • The Department of Revenue advises all Pennsylvania taxpayers to verify the status of their refund only through official channels. Taxpayers can check the status of their refunds online by visiting the department’s official online tax hub, myPATH, or by calling 1-888-PATAXES. Taxpayers will be prompted to provide their Social Security number and requested refund amount to obtain the current status.

How to Stay Safe:

  • Do not click on links from unknown or suspicious senders.
  • Never share your Social Security number, bank account details, or other personal information via text.
  • Report suspicious messages or calls to the Department of Revenue at 717-425-2495, Ext. 72267.

 

  • To verify potentially fraudulent contact from the Department or to report suspicious activity, visit revenue.pa.gov. You can also learn more about identifying phishing texts and scams by visiting the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s website by clicking here.