Minnesota Department of Revenue Warns Taxpayers About Tax Season Scams and Identity Theft

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Revenue is urging residents to remain vigilant against identity thieves and scammers during tax filing season.

Officials say as returns are being filed across the state, fraudsters are attempting to steal identities, tax refunds, and personal information from taxpayers through various methods.

The DOR warns scammers frequently use email tactics known as phishing to trick recipients into revealing personal and financial details that can be used for identity theft. The emails often appear legitimate, featuring official-looking headers and graphics, and typically request that recipients update information or take immediate action. Anyone who gets suspicious emails should not click links or respond. The Internal Revenue Service provides guidance on its website for reporting these fraudulent communications.

Text message scams have also become more prevalent as government agencies increasingly use messages. Scammers impersonate government agencies to steal personal or financial information, often creating fake urgency by claiming the person getting the message must act quickly to make payments, avoid losing refunds, or face legal consequences. The revenue department does not send unsolicited text messages. Any legitimate texts from the department are purely informational or related to the requested two-factor authentication.

Legitimate messages will never ask someone to click links for payments or refund claims, nor will they threaten to get police involved. Suspicious texts should not be clicked or answered, and the IRS website offers reporting instructions.

Anyone concerned about potentially fraudulent contact from someone claiming to represent the Minnesota Department of Revenue can call 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 for verification.

Additional information about tax refund fraud, identity theft warning signs, and victim resources is available on the department’s website here.

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