💸 **警惕冒充官方的诈骗短信**：近期出现一种诈骗手法，不法分子冒充纽约州税务和财政部门，发送声称可获得“通胀退税”的短信，并要求提供个人和财务信息。这是典型的网络诈骗，政府部门绝不会通过短信索要此类信息。

✅ **官方退税流程**：纽约州税务和财政部门表示，符合条件的纳税人将直接收到150至400美元的通胀退税支票，无需主动提供额外信息。退税款项将直接邮寄给符合条件的纳税人。

🛡️ **官方声明与提醒**：纽约州税务和财政部门及州长办公室已明确声明，他们不会通过短信或电话联系纳税人讨论退税事宜。如收到此类信息，应提高警惕，切勿泄露个人信息，并及时向税务部门报告。

🚨 **识别诈骗手段**：与以往的短信诈骗类似，此类诈骗也可能利用制造紧迫感的恐吓策略，诱导受害者迅速做出反应。在任何情况下，若对信息来源有疑问，应直接联系州政府相关部门核实，切勿回复可疑短信。

If you've gotten a text that promises a refund for your inflation-related spending, you're probably getting scammed.

According to Bleeping Computer, New Yorkers are getting texts from a number that says they're the Department of Taxation and Finance. The texter claims the recipient is eligible for "Inflation Refunds" and requests personal and financial data — a major red flag.

Remember: The U.S. government will never send you a text like this, nor will your state or local tax officials.

Now, it is true that some New Yorkers are getting inflation refunds from the state Department of Taxation and Finance. According to the department, some taxpayers are eligible for a one-time inflation refund check if they filed certain tax forms in 2023, reported income within qualifying thresholds, and were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return. If they meet the criteria, they can receive a check for $150 to $400 to compensate them for inflated sales tax payments, which will be mailed directly to them.

However, even if you do qualify for the state's "first-ever inflation refund checks," the Department of Taxation and Finance will not send you a text.

"The Tax Department is not contacting taxpayers about the New York State inflation refund check," the Department of Taxation and Finance said in a statement on its website. "You do not need to provide us with additional information to receive a check. If you are contacted about the inflation refund check by someone supposedly from the Tax Department, report it."

You can report these texts by phone or by email.

"New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements," Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement in response to the scam texts. "With scams targeting the state’s inflation refund initiative, let me be clear: The Tax Department and the IRS do not call or text individuals for personal information. My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect yourself from being a victim."

As in toll text scams, Indeed text scams, and crypto text scams, the cybercriminals responsible will often use scare tactics to create a false sense of urgency.

When in doubt, contact your state government for more information; never respond to suspected scam texts.