Tax season has always been stressful, and cybercriminals know it. A new text message scam is targeting taxpayers, particularly in California, by impersonating the state’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Victims receive a text that looks official, claiming their tax refund has been approved. The message urges them to click a link and enter payment details quickly—warning that if they don’t act fast, they could lose their refund altogether.
This urgent-sounding message is nothing more than a smishing attack—a phishing scam delivered through text. The link doesn’t lead to the FTB’s legitimate website but to a convincing copycat page. Once there, any personal or banking information entered goes straight into the hands of scammers. With those details, criminals can drain accounts, steal identities, or sell the information to other bad actors online.
Protect Yourself from Smishing Attempts:
Stay alert to impersonation. Government agencies like the IRS or state tax boards will not reach out by text message to request personal or financial details.
Don’t click suspicious links. If you want to check the status of your tax refund, go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser.
Watch for pressure tactics. Scammers often create urgency or use threats to push you into acting without thinking. Take a step back before responding.
Whether you’re in California or elsewhere, the lesson is the same: if a message about your taxes feels suspicious, treat it with caution. Taking a moment to verify could save you from a costly mistake.