FTB Warns Californians About Tax Scams via Text Message

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Published August 21st, 2025

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has issued a warning to taxpayers about a recent scam involving fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal and banking information. The FTB advises taxpayers to be cautious of suspicious texts and to verify any communications directly with the agency.

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What changed

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has issued a warning regarding a new scam targeting taxpayers through text messages. These messages contain links to fraudulent FTB web pages, aiming to trick recipients into divulging personal and banking information. The FTB emphasizes the importance of verifying communications and provides resources for identifying and reporting scams.

Regulated entities and consumers should be aware of this phishing attempt and exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited text messages claiming to be from the FTB or other government agencies. It is advised not to click on links, download attachments, or reply to suspicious messages. Instead, individuals should contact the relevant agency directly through official channels to confirm the authenticity of any communication. The FTB also offers online tips and a reporting mechanism for suspected scams.

What to do next

Review FTB's online scam avoidance tips and text messaging page.
Advise employees and customers to be cautious of suspicious text messages.
Verify any communications claiming to be from FTB directly with the agency.

Source document (simplified)

For Immediate Release

August 21, 2025

FTB warns Californians about recent tax scams targeting them

Sacramento – FTB warns taxpayers to protect themselves from tax scams. Recently, the FTB received reports of a scam targeting taxpayers through text messages that appear to be from FTB. These text messages contain a link to a fraudulent version of certain FTB web pages, which are designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam aims to trick taxpayers into providing personal details and credit card information.

Taxpayers should review FTB’s online scam avoidance tips and be especially cautious with their tax, bank account, credit card and other personal information.

“Sadly, FTB and other California agencies constantly battle bad actors attempting to steal your money. These scammers may impersonate tax agency representatives to steal your personal information," said State Controller and FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen. "If you ever have doubts about the authenticity of a text, email, or phone call claiming to be from FTB, IRS, or any other government agency, contact the agency directly to verify whether there’s an issue that requires your attention.”

FTB advises Californians not to reply to suspicious text messages, download attachments, or click on links in texts or emails if they are unsure of their authenticity. Verify any suspicious messages by contacting the agency identified directly and visiting the official site.

Visit our Text Messaging page to verify when FTB sends texts and what information is included. On its online Scams webpage, FTB offers a way to report suspected scams and provides tips on how to avoid them. FTB advises Californians not to reply to suspicious text messages, download attachments, or click on links in texts or emails if they are unsure of their authenticity.

Scammers frequently target taxpayers by pretending to be employees of the IRS or FTB. They may try to trick taxpayers into sending money that they do not owe or request providing personal information that could be used to file fraudulent tax returns and steal refunds. If you receive a suspicious letter from the FTB or the IRS, please contact the FTB at 1.800.852.5711 or call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040 for assistance.

Last updated: 12/17/2025 The Franchise Tax Board administers two of California’s major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and the Corporation Tax. We also administer other non tax programs and delinquent debt collection functions, including delinquent vehicle registration debt collections on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and court–ordered debt. Annually, our tax programs collect more than 75 percent of the state’s general fund. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit: taxes.ca.gov.

Media Contacts Only

Email Public Affairs Office Phone 916-845-4800 Mail P.O. Box 1468
Sacramento, CA 95812-1468