News Summary

As tax season approaches, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) advises California taxpayers to remain vigilant against text message scams. Fraudsters are sending messages that appear to be from the FTB, tricking recipients into accessing fake websites aimed at stealing personal data. The FTB emphasizes not responding to suspicious messages and provides resources to help taxpayers verify communications from tax authorities. Staying informed and cautious is vital to protecting personal and financial information during this busy time of the year.

Attention, California Taxpayers: Beware of Text Message Scams!

As tax season rolls around again in beautiful California, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is raising the alarm on some sneaky scams aimed right at unsuspecting taxpayers. It seems that every year, as people buckle down to file their taxes, the villains of the digital world come out of hiding, ready to pounce. This year, the FTB has a serious warning for you: be cautious of text messages claiming to be from the tax authorities!

Tax Season and Scammers Go Hand in Hand

During tax season, it’s not unusual to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the forms, deductions, and deadlines. Unfortunately, scammers are all too aware of this chaos and look to take advantage of your busy mind. The FTB encourages you to be extra vigilant about your personal information. They are reminding everyone that now is the time to keep a close eye on any communications that could be fishing for your sensitive data.

Know Your Scams

The FTB has observed some alarming trends recently. Scammers are sending out text messages that appear to be from the FTB, coaxing taxpayers into clicking on links that lead to fake websites. These fraudulent websites are cleverly designed to mimic the real FTB portal with the sole purpose of stealing your personal and banking information. Protecting your tax and financial details should be your top priority!

Keeping Your Info Safe

So, how can you keep yourself safe while navigating the treacherous waters of tax season? The FTB has some handy tips for all California taxpayers. They recommend visiting their website to learn more about how to spot and avoid scams. It’s essential to stay informed and recognize what a legitimate communication from the FTB or the IRS looks like.

Don’t Respond to Suspicious Messages

Receiving a suspicious text message? Your best move is to ignore it. Do not reply to these messages or click on any links. If you ever feel unsure about the authenticity of a communication, pause before reacting. Additionally, never download attachments from unknown sources. If something smells fishy, it’s probably not worth your time.

Check Before You Click

The FTB has created a special page dedicated just for these kinds of issues, and it’s easy to use. Taxpayers can quickly check the legitimacy of any texts they receive by visiting the FTB’s text messaging webpage. It’s just another way for taxpayers to arm themselves against deceitful practices.

Contacting the Right People

If you do receive a suspicious letter from the FTB or IRS, it’s crucial to reach out to the appropriate authorities for clarity. You can contact the FTB at (800) 852-5711 or the IRS at (800) 829-1040. Having direct communication with these agencies can help you ascertain whether something is amiss.

The Bottom Line: Stay Alert

In this digital age, it’s better to be safe than sorry. As tax season kicks into high gear, keep your wallet and personal information secure by arming yourself with knowledge. By staying aware of the tactics employed by scammers and knowing how to verify any suspicious communication, you can enjoy peace of mind during tax season. Remember, your finances deserve the utmost protection!

Let’s keep those crooks at bay and ensure that your hard-earned money stays in your pocket!

California Taxpayers Warned About Text Message Scams