Tax scams can come in many forms when they target individuals and businesses, and one of the most common is IRS or Franchise Tax Board impersonations via telephone, email and text.
In a press statement issued Thursday, FTB officials warned taxpayers the state agency recently had received reports of a scam targeting taxpayers through text messages that appear to be from FTB. These text messages contain a link to a fraudulent version of certain FTB web pages, which are designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam aims to trick taxpayers into providing personal details — such as your full legal name, date of birth and Social Security number — and credit card information.
Taxpayers should review FTB’s online scam avoidance tips, at www.ftb.ca.gov, and be especially cautious with tax, bank account, credit card and other personal information.
“Sadly, FTB and other California agencies constantly battle bad actors attempting to steal your money,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen. “These scammers may impersonate tax agency representatives to steal your personal information.”
“If you ever have doubts about the authenticity of a text, email, or phone call claiming to be from FTB, IRS, or any other government agency, contact the agency directly to verify whether there’s an issue that requires your attention,” she added.
FTB advises Californians not to reply to suspicious text messages, download attachments, or click on links in texts or emails if they are unsure of their authenticity. Verify any suspicious messages by contacting the sender directly and visiting the official site.
Officials advise visting the FTB’s Text Messaging page to verify when FTB sends texts and what information is included. On its online Scams webpage, FTB offers a way to report suspected scams and provides tips on how to avoid them. FTB advises Californians not to reply to suspicious text messages, download attachments, or click on links in texts or emails if they are unsure of their authenticity.
Scammers frequently target taxpayers by pretending to be employees of the IRS or FTB. They may try to trick taxpayers into sending money that they do not owe or request providing personal information that could be used to file fraudulent tax returns and steal refunds.
If you receive a suspicious letter from the FTB or the IRS, contact the FTB, telephone 1-800-852-5711 or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.