Back to Fake Tax Refund / Government Rebate Scam

This is a version of Fake Tax Refund / Government Rebate Scam.

Fake New York Department of Revenue Refund Approval SMS

Victim receives a text impersonating the New York Department of Revenue, claiming their refund has been approved but requires payment information by a set deadline. A phishing link is provided, and urgency is created with threats of forfeiting the refund if no action is taken. This tricks victims into visiting a fraudulent site and entering sensitive financial data.

Fake New York Department of Revenue Refund Approval SMS | Primary Image

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

  1. Claims to be from the “New York Department of Revenue” to add legitimacy

  2. Uses a deadline (September 20, 2025) to create urgency

  3. Includes a phishing link with a government-like structure (tax.ny-ssz.cc/us)

  4. Threatens permanent forfeiture of the refund if no action is taken

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: Victim receives a text or email claiming to be from a tax authority (e.g., IRS, state department of revenue).

  2. 2

    Step 2: The message promises a refund and provides a deadline to create urgency.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Victim is directed to a phishing website or phone number to submit payment information.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Scammers collect sensitive data such as bank account details, SSNs, or login credentials.

✓ Do this

  • Verify tax refund status only through official government portals.
  • Check the sender’s email/phone number and website domain carefully.
  • Report phishing attempts to the IRS or your state’s tax authority.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not click on suspicious links or enter personal/banking information.
  • Do not trust tax-related communications that come via unsolicited text or email.
  • Do not reply to suspicious messages.

Screenshots & Examples