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Gov. Hochul warns of 'inflation refund' scams as New York sends out millions of checks
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Sep 29, 2025
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John Lamparski / Getty Images for Concordia Annual Summit
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Sep 29, 2025
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New Yorkers don’t have to submit any personal information to receive one of the state’s “inflation refund” checks, but scammers are trying to convince people otherwise.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is warning taxpayers to pay no heed to emails, text messages, direct mail and voice messages falsely claiming residents must submit accurate payment information so agencies can deposit money into bank accounts. New Yorkers don’t need to apply, sign up or do anything to get a check besides meeting the eligibility requirements, according to state officials.
“The [state] Tax Department and the IRS do not call or text individuals for personal information,” Hochul said in a statement Sunday. “My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect yourself from being a victim.”
The checks began going out in batches last week and are expected to reach residents’ mailboxes over the next two months. Any resident who filed a 2023 tax return with an adjusted gross income of less than $300,000 for joint filers, or $150,000 for single filers, can expect a check worth between $150 to $400, depending on filing status and income.
Authorities said more than 8 million households should receive the money as part of a $2 billion initiative Hochul pushed for in the current state budget. The checks are a central part of her affordability agenda as she seeks reelection next year, but some progressives have criticized them as fiscally irresponsible amid $3 billion in federal cuts to New York’s budget next year.
Anyone who receives a message appearing to be from the Tax Department should block the sender, delete the message and report the scam to the agency or IRS, officials said. Anyone who gets a threatening phone call about taxes should hang up immediately, officials added, and residents should never agree to meet anyone in person who claims to be a tax representative.
The state is also warning against providing personal information via email or clicking suspicious links in emails requesting such information. New Yorkers can report suspected tax scams here.
Concerned residents can also call the state’s Consumer Helpline at 800-697-1220 or visit the Division of Consumer Protection's Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program webpage.
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Kathy Hochul
Politics
economy
new york city
new york state
scams
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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