NY Governor Warns About Inflation Refund Check Scams

The governor of New York warned that scammers are now sending text messages and emails in a bid to “spread false information” about checks being sent out to more than 8 million households. The checks, which began going out last week, are meant to offset inflation.

“These messages falsely claim that New Yorkers must submit accurate payment information in order to receive an inflation refund check, supposedly so revenue agencies can deposit money into a taxpayer’s bank account,” the governor’s office said in a statement on Sept. 28.

The statement added that voice and text messages, as well as emails or direct mail, could be scams.

The New York State Tax Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not call or text people, the statement said. The tax department also doesn’t use text messages, direct mail, social media, or email to request personal tax details, it added.

“New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the statement.

“With scams targeting the state’s inflation refund initiative, let me be clear: The Tax Department and the IRS do not call or text individuals for personal information. My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect yourself from being a victim.”

The governor’s office said that if a person receives one of these messages, they’re advised to delete the message, block the sender, and report the incident to the IRS or state tax department.

Last week, Hochul’s office said that checks of up to $400 “will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue throughout October and November,” and that households do not need to apply, sign up, or take any other action to receive the checks.

According to Hochul’s office, joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 payment, and joint tax filers with income between $150,001 and $300,000 will receive $300.

Single tax filers who have an income up to $75,000 will get $200, and single tax filers with incomes between $75,000 and $150,000 will get $150, the announcement said.

The check will only be sent if the person has filed a New York state resident income tax return—or Form IT-201, reported income within qualifying thresholds, and was not claimed as a dependent for the tax year 2023, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance said.

“We will begin mailing refund checks to eligible taxpayers at the end of September 2025,” the tax agency said, adding that because of the “large volume of checks” being mailed out over the coming weeks, some people may receive “your check sooner or later than your neighbors, as mailings are not based on zip code or region.”

The agency added that it could not provide a specific delivery schedule, and contact center representatives will not have additional information on the status of checks.

The one-time payments are part of a 2025 state budget provision that was passed in the state legislature. Hochul’s office said that inflation has increased the cost of necessities, meaning that state revenue from the collection of sales tax has increased.