News Summary
Officials in Massachusetts have issued a warning about a new scam utilizing fraudulent text messages that impersonate the Department of Revenue. The texts claim that taxpayers must provide sensitive information to ensure they receive their tax refunds by September 19. The Department of Revenue has confirmed that they do not contact residents via text and urges individuals not to respond to such messages. Similar scams involving false claims from the Massachusetts State Police and the Registry of Motor Vehicles have also been reported. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious messages.
Boston, Massachusetts – Officials in Massachusetts are alerting residents to a new texting scam that impersonates the Department of Revenue (DOR). The fraudulent messages claim that taxpayers will be disqualified from receiving their tax refunds unless they submit sensitive payment information by September 19. The DOR has confirmed that these texts are not real and clarified that they never communicate with taxpayers via text regarding tax refunds.
Details of the Scam
The scam texts specifically request confidential information such as credit card numbers, preying on individuals’ concerns about their tax refunds. Residents are advised to refrain from replying to these messages or clicking on any links contained within them. The urgency created by these messages is a common tactic used by scammers to manipulate individuals into providing personal information.
Background on Previous Scams
This recent texting scam is part of a broader trend known as “smishing,” which combines SMS with phishing tactics. Last month, Massachusetts residents confronted a different type of scam in which callers claimed to be from the Massachusetts State Police, alleging identity theft in crimes taking place in China. The State Police clarified that they do not run an Internet Crime Complaint Center and are not associated with such calls.
Warnings from the Registry of Motor Vehicles
In addition to the DOR scam, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is urging residents to be cautious of similar text message scams. These messages falsely claim that the recipient has outstanding traffic tickets and threaten immediate payment to avoid license suspension and vehicle registration revocation. The RMV has reiterated that these texts regarding unpaid fees are fraudulent.
Official Recommendations
Colleen Ogilvie, the RMV’s Registrar of Motor Vehicles, has advised the public to avoid clicking on links in messages that request payment or make threats. The RMV emphasizes the importance of using their official website, Mass.Gov/RMV, for any transactions regarding vehicle registration and licensing. In previous instances, residents were also warned about texts from an alleged “Registry” demanding payments for fines.
Reporting Scams
Residents who encounter suspicious messages are urged to delete them and report them as junk. Moreover, officials highlight the significance of public awareness in combating these ongoing scams. Individuals can report fraudulent activities to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is a hub operated by the FBI.
Conclusion
As scams continue to evolve, Massachusetts officials stress the need for vigilance among residents. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can help protect themselves from falling victim to scams that exploit their personal and financial information. With increased awareness, the ongoing efforts to combat these fraudulent practices can effectively minimize their impact on the public.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News: Texting Scam Massachusetts Department of Revenue
- iBerkshires: Mass Department of Revenue Cautions Public to Beware of Text Scams
- Wicked Local: Text Scam MA RMV
- Wikipedia: Text Message Scamming
- Cape Cod Times: Mass RMV Texting Scam
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
