As inflation refund checks start arriving in New Yorkers’ mailboxes, state officials are warning residents to stay alert.
Scammers are trying to trick people into giving personal information through fake text messages.
Some New Yorkers have received texts claiming to be from the state “Department of Revenue,” saying their refund request was approved and asking for payment details immediately.
The New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection says this agency does not exist, and no state office will ever ask for personal information by text.
How Inflation Refund Checks Are Sent
If you qualify for a check, you don’t need to do anything.
The payment will arrive automatically in the mail. Gov. Kathy Hochul emphasized this in a Sept. 28 statement about the scam: “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 protect yourself.”
What To Do If You Receive a Scam Text
The state Division of Consumer Protection offers these tips for dealing with fraudulent messages:
- Do not reply to unknown texts.
- Do not click on any links.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 and delete the message. Forward unwanted emails to your email provider, then delete.
- Block the sender’s number or email.
- Verify the message by contacting the organization through a known website or phone number.
For help, contact the Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. You can also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Who Is Eligible for an Inflation Refund Check
You may qualify if, for tax year 2023, you:
- Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return
- Reported income within qualifying limits
- Were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
How Much Money You Could Get
The refund amount depends on your income and filing status for 2024:
- Individuals earning up to $75,000: $200
- Individuals earning $75,000–$150,000: $150
- Married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000: $400
- Married couples filing jointly earning $150,000–$300,000: $300
- Married couples filing separately earning up to $75,000: $200
- Married couples filing separately earning $75,000–$150,000: $150
- Head of household earning up to $75,000: $200
- Head of household earning $75,000–$150,000: $150
- Qualified surviving spouses earning up to $150,000: $400
- Qualified surviving spouses earning $150,000–$300,000: $300
When Will You Receive Your Check
Checks will start arriving in October, with most reaching residents by November.
There is no specific mailing schedule. Payments are not sent by ZIP code or region, and individuals cannot track their checks. The Department of Taxation and Finance also warns that their contact center will not have updates on delivery status.
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any scams or other issues.
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The writer is a real estate journalist specializing in all types of New York City properties, including luxury residences, commercial spaces, and homes.
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