News Summary
As tax season approaches, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is warning Los Angeles taxpayers to be vigilant against increasing text message scams. Fraudulent texts that appear to be from the FTB are being sent, often containing misleading links leading to fake websites. Malia M. Cohen, the FTB Chair, emphasizes the need for residents to verify messages claiming to be from tax authorities, promoting methods to avoid falling victim to these scams. Taxpayers should stay informed and reach out to officials if they suspect they’ve received a fraudulent message.
Los Angeles Alerts Taxpayers About Sneaky Text Message Scams
As tax season rolls around, California taxpayers in the bustling city of Los Angeles are being put on high alert. The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is warning citizens about a growing wave of scams designed to snatch away personal information through deceptive text messages. Yes, those unexpected texts on your phone could be more dangerous than you think!
Stay Vigilant: The Taxing Time of Year
It’s that time of year when tax forms flood our mailboxes and digital devices alike. While many of us are busy gathering our receipts and preparing our financial documents, we mustn’t forget to protect our sensitive information. The FTB is advising all California taxpayers to be extra cautious during this critical filing season. It’s essential to keep a finger on the pulse of what’s legit and what’s not when it comes to tax communications.
The Scammers Are Out in Full Force
During this peak tax time, the FTB has observed a troubling uptick in scams. These schemers are taking advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers by sending texts that look like they’re coming from the FTB. The messages often contain links that lead to fake websites mimicking the official FTB pages. If clicked, these links could lead to a nightmare scenario where your personal and banking details could be exposed!
Be Your Own Detective
How to Avoid Getting Caught
So, how can you keep these vile scammers at bay? Well, it’s pretty straightforward! The FTB has put together several simple yet effective tips to help you avoid falling into their trap:
- Do not reply to suspicious messages. Just hit the delete button!
- Never download attachments unless you are absolutely sure of the source.
- If you’re in doubt about a link, avoid clicking it. Stay safe and stay cautious.
For those who want to double-check the authenticity of any messages you might have received, the FTB has a dedicated text messaging webpage. You can verify whether or not the texts you received were indeed from them. It’s a handy tool that could save you a lot of headaches!
When in Doubt, Reach Out
If you find yourself on the receiving end of sketchy letters or messages from either the FTB or the IRS, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the authorities. The FTB is just a phone call away at (800) 852-5711 and the IRS can be reached at (800) 829-1040. They’re there to assist you and ensure that you don’t fall prey to these scams.
Protect Your Information
Tax season is a busy time for everyone, but it’s imperative to stay alert and protect your valuable information. Scammers love nothing more than to impersonate tax representatives in order to manipulate you into sharing personal details or sending money unnecessarily. By keeping your guard up and staying informed, you can help ensure that you navigate this tax season safely.
As always, be smart and stay informed. Remember, vigilance is your best defense against tax scams. Happy filing, Los Angeles!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Action News Now
- Business Wire
- Fox 40 News
- Wikipedia: Tax Scams
- The Reporter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Taxation
