Illinois Dept. of Revenue warns of new phishing, impersonation scam

CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Revenue is warning of a new nationwide scam that comes in the guise of messages appearing to come from state revenue or treasury agencies.

Officials said this 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.”

The IDOR primarily communicates through official correspondence sent via the U.S. Postal Service or MyTax Illinois, the department’s secure and free online account management platform. Messages that claim to be from the IDOR and that come via text, email or social media should be considered fraudulent and ignored.

“Protecting taxpayer information is a top priority,” Harris added. “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 with questions on 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.