The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is warning taxpayers about a scam that is spreading through text messages in North Central Arkansas and across the state.
The fake messages claim people may be owed a tax refund and ask for personal details like a Social Security number or bank account information. Scammers then use that information to try and get into bank accounts.
DFA says it will never send a text message asking for sensitive information. Taxpayers should only use official state or federal websites to check their refund status.
The messages can look very official and may even push people to act quickly. One example shows a message labeled “Tax Refund” with a button that says “Check Refund.” It also lists what information is “needed,” such as a Social Security number and personal details. While it looks like a government message, it is not real.
Officials urge residents not to click any links, respond to these texts, or share information. Instead, they encourage everyone to warn friends and family members, especially older Arkansans who may be more at risk of falling for the scam.
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