State officials are urging Minnesotans to be on high alert for a new scam that is targeting taxpayers through text messages. The Minnesota Department of Revenue says scammers are sending texts that look official and are designed to trick people into handing over their banking information.
According to the department, the messages tell recipients that their tax refund request has already been “processed and approved.” The text then directs them to click on a link where they are asked to provide their payment details in order to receive the refund. To create a sense of fear and urgency, the message warns that failing to submit the requested information will lead to a “permanent forfeiture” of the refund.
Authorities stress that this is a scam. The Minnesota Department of Revenue will never send random, unsolicited texts or emails asking people to share personal or financial details. Officials say the agency only communicates through secure and official channels, never through suspicious links sent in texts.
The department is advising anyone who receives such a message to avoid clicking on any links. Instead, they should mark the message as junk or spam and then delete it immediately. Clicking on these links can expose people to identity theft, malware, or direct theft from their bank accounts.
For those who may have already fallen victim by clicking the link and entering their financial information, officials recommend contacting their bank right away. Financial institutions can help monitor accounts, block fraudulent activity, and provide guidance on steps to secure personal finances after potential exposure.
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to impersonate trusted organizations, often using fear or urgency to pressure people into making quick decisions without verifying the claims. This latest scam is just one example of how criminals target taxpayers, especially during times when refunds and payments are expected.
Experts say one of the best defenses against these types of scams is awareness. People should remember that no legitimate agency will threaten them with the loss of money if they don’t act immediately, nor will they demand sensitive information over text messages. If something feels off, it probably is. Taking a step back, double-checking official websites, or calling the organization directly can help confirm whether a message is real or fake.
Earlier this year, similar scams were reported nationwide. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) even issued a warning about text messages claiming people were due a $1,400 stimulus check, another attempt to lure victims with the promise of money. Just like the Minnesota case, the goal was to get unsuspecting people to hand over their personal details.
Consumer protection organizations, like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), also stress the importance of caution. They remind people to never click on links in unsolicited emails or texts, no matter how convincing the message might seem. Scammers often design these communications to look exactly like they are from government agencies, banks, or trusted businesses. But careful observation—such as checking the sender’s email address or phone number—often reveals the deception.
The BBB also advises people to pay attention to the tone of the message. If it sounds urgent, threatening, or too good to be true, that’s usually a red flag. Scammers want people to panic and react quickly without thinking, so slowing down and verifying information independently is one of the most effective defenses.
Authorities encourage Minnesotans to report any suspicious messages they receive. Texts that appear to be phishing attempts can be forwarded to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. People can also file a report with the Better Business Bureau through BBB.org/ScamTracker. Reporting scams not only helps protect individuals but also gives authorities better insight into how criminals are operating and targeting communities.
With tax season and refund payments being such a common concern, scammers know this is a vulnerable time for many people. That’s why officials are working hard to raise awareness and urge everyone to stay alert. The key message is simple: the Minnesota Department of Revenue will never send you a text asking for personal information. If you get one, it’s a scam. Protect yourself by deleting the message, reporting it, and warning friends and family so they don’t fall victim either.
