CALIFORNIA – The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) warned taxpayers to protect themselves from scams this tax season.
Recently, FTB said it received reports of a scam targeting taxpayers through text messages claiming to be from FTB. The texts include a link to a fraudulent version of certain FTB webpages designed to steal personal and banking information.
FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen said the board and other California agencies constantly battle bad actors attempting to steal residents’ money.
“If you ever doubt the authenticity of a text, email, or phone call claiming to be from FTB, IRS, or any other government agency, contact the agency directly to verify whether there’s an issue that requires your attention,” said Cohen.
Impersonating IRS or FTB employees
FTB said that scammers often prey on taxpayers by impersonating IRS or FTB employees.
They may attempt to scam taxpayers into sending money not owed or providing personal information that could be used to file fraudulent returns and steal refunds.
FTB advises Californians not to reply to suspicious text messages, download attachments, or click on links in texts or emails if they are unsure of their authenticity.
Types of scams
On its “Scams” webpage, FTB outlines various known scams. Filers should be suspicious of anyone that contacts them and:
- Asks for passwords for credit cards, bank account, bank debit card, MyFTB account, email account, personal or business accounts.
- Threatens to contact law-enforcement to have a filer arrested if a tax debt is not paid.
- Demands payment by third-party issued or pre-paid debit cards. FTB does not accept these forms of payment.
- Claims that there is a problem with a filer’s account. FTB agents already have access to account information and will explain the nature and details of tax or nontax debt.
FTB said that scammers will contact filers through email, mail, phone and text messaging.
If a taxpayer receives a letter from FTB or the IRS that appears suspicious, they can contact FTB at 800.852.5711 or the IRS at 800.829.1040.
For more information about common scams visit https://www.ftb.ca.gov/help/scams/index.html
RELATED: California warns consumers of surge in text message toll charge scams
 warned taxpayers to protect themselves from scams this tax season.){kind=link}