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Illinois Department of Revenue
warns of new text message scam soliciting banking information
[October 08, 2025]
Chicago – The Illinois
Department of Revenue (IDOR) is warning taxpayers about a new
nationwide text message scam targeting individuals with fraudulent
messages that appear to come from state revenue or treasury
agencies.
This latest phishing scheme involves unsolicited, urgent text
messages claiming that a tax refund has been processed. Recipients
are then asked to provide or verify their personal banking
information under the threat of losing a state refund.
"There has been a significant rise in fake text messages
impersonating state revenue departments," said IDOR Director David
Harris. "These scams are designed to deceive taxpayers and pressure
them into revealing their most sensitive financial information. Let
me be very clear that IDOR does not send unsolicited text messages
asking for banking or personal information."
IDOR primarily communicates through official correspondence sent
through the U.S. Postal Service or through
MyTax Illinois, the
department’s secure and free online account management platform.
Unsolicited messages that claim to be from IDOR and arrive by text,
email, or social media, particularly those requesting personal or
financial information, should be considered fraudulent and ignored.
Taxpayers should avoid clicking on any links and delete any
message(s).
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"Protecting
taxpayer information is a top priority," Harris said. "If you're
ever unsure about a message you’ve received, we strongly
encourage you to reach out to us directly. Confirming with the
department is the best way to ensure your information remains
secure."
Taxpayers who have questions about their Illinois refunds,
account balances, or any correspondence received should verify
that information directly with IDOR at
tax.illinois.gov or by
calling 1-800-732-8866.
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