A new scam is circulating that pretends to be from the “New York Department of Revenue.” If you’ve received a text like this, do not click any links and do not respond.

Here’s why this message is fraudulent:

1. There Is No “New York Department of Revenue”

New York’s tax authority is officially called the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF). Any communication referring to the “Department of Revenue” in New York is fake.

2. NYS Tax Will Never Text You About Refunds or Accounts

The Department of Taxation and Finance does not use text messages to notify taxpayers about refunds, accounts, or required actions. Official notices come by mail or through the secure online services portal.

3. False Urgency: Two-Day Deadline to Claim a Refund

The scam text warns that you must act within a day or two to avoid losing your refund. That is simply not how refunds work under New York law. Refund rights are governed by statute, and taxpayers have years—not days—to claim legitimate refunds.

4. Fake “Section 19322 of the New York Revenue and Taxation Code”

The text cites “Section 19322 of the New York Revenue and Taxation Code.” This statute does not exist. In fact, New York does not even have a “Revenue and Taxation Code.” The scammers made this up to sound official.

How to Spot the Scam: Other Red Flags

Beyond the obvious mistakes above, the text is riddled with other danger signs:

• Reply “Y” to activate the link. A classic phishing tactic to confirm your number is active.

• Instructions to “close and reopen” the message. Real agencies don’t give you tricks to make links work.

• Targeting Safari users. Suggests the scam is designed to exploit iPhone users.

• Vague sign-off. “Official State Government Agency” is too generic. Real notices include a seal, address, and contact details.

• Suspicious domain. The link ends in .cc, not .gov.

What to Do if You Receive This Text

• Do not click the link and do not reply.

• Delete the message.

• If you already clicked or entered information, contact your bank immediately and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.

• Report the scam to both New York State and federal authorities (see below).

How to Report This Scam

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF)

• Report suspicious tax-related emails, texts, or calls here: Report a scam to NYS Tax

• Or forward phishing emails to: phishing@tax.ny.gov

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• File a report at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov (unavailable as of October 7, 2025 due to gov’t shutdown)

Bottom line: This text is a phishing scam. The real New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will never send refund requests by text message, never impose a two-day deadline, and never cite made-up laws. Stay alert, and share this warning with friends and family.