JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Revenue is warning state taxpayers about an ongoing phishing scam using text messages to try and steal personal and financial information.
The department announced it has received reports of fraudulent texts being sent to Mississippians that appear to be from the Department of Revenue or the Department of Motor Vehicles. According to a news release, the messages may state that a tax refund has been approved and ask for payment information, or include false warnings about unpaid traffic violations, outstanding toll charges, or other fines owed.
Officials warn these scams are designed to trick recipients into providing personal details, banking information, and credit card numbers.
“These texts are NOT from the Mississippi Department of Revenue and are NOT LEGITIMATE,” the department stated. Officials emphasized that the agency will never request payment or personal banking information through a text message.
If you receive one of these phishing texts, the MDOR advises taking the following steps:
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
