Cybercriminals are sending fake Franchise Tax Board text messages to steal taxpayer information in California.
Cybercriminals are targeting taxpayers in the state of California by sending text messages that look like they’re from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), a state tax agency. The message claims your tax refund has been approved and instructs you to select a link to enter your payment information. There is a very strict deadline, and the instructions state that you will lose your tax refund if you do not enter your payment information quickly.
However, this message is a smishing, or text phishing, scam sent by cybercriminals. The link doesn’t take you to the official FTB website. Instead, it leads to a fake webpage designed to look real. If you enter your personal details or banking information on this page, the scammers will steal it!
Tips to Stay Safe
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this smishing scam:
- Be suspicious of any text message that claims to be from a government agency like the IRS or a state tax board. These agencies will not contact you by text to ask for your personal or financial information.
- Never select links in unexpected text messages. If you need to check on the status of a tax refund, go to the official tax agency’s website directly by typing the address into your browser.
- While this scam targets taxpayers in California, watch out for messages that create a sense of urgency or use threats. Scammers do this to rush you into making a mistake without thinking. Always stop and think before taking action!
Stop. Look. Think. And don’t be fooled.
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