New Jersey Division of Taxation Warns of Phishing Text Message Scam
TRENTON, NJ — If you've recently received a text message claiming to be from the New Jersey Division of Taxation, beware.
State Senator Troy Singleton (D-Burlington), who represents Bordentown in the Legislature, alerted residents on his Facebook page to a current phishing scam in which New Jersey residents are receiving text messages that falsely appear to be from the Division. The messages usually reference tax matters and include links to click on or urgent prompts to respond.
These text messages are not from the Division of Taxation, which says it does not initiate text messages with taxpayers.
“We do NOT initiate text messages with taxpayers," the Division states on its website. "We only send text messages if requested through our phone system. Never click links or share personal information in an unsolicited message. If you are unsure about a message, contact us directly through our official channels.”
Residents who receive this kind of text are urged not to respond, not to click on any links and to delete the message immediately.
The Division relies primarily on the U.S. mail system to make first contact with residents about unpaid taxes. In most cases, the tax collectin process escalates only if individuals do not respond appropriately to mailed notices. Further, the first notice of taxes owed will not demand immediate payment, especially using prepaid debit cards or cryptocurrency), or threaten police action. Any communication demanding payment with a pre-paid debit card or a gift card is a red flag.
Residents who have not received an initial notice in the mail, but receive a phone call or e-mail stating they owe New Jersey taxes, are usually being targeted to be scammed.
Residents who are unsure about a message received claiming to be from the Division of Taxation are urged to contact the Division through official channels found at https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/contact.shtml.