🚨Scam Alert: New Tax Scam Targeting Ohioans by Text

Columbus, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) is warning taxpayers about a new text message scam that impersonates the department and directs recipients to a fraudulent website.

The fake message claims:

“Your tax refund request has been approved and is now pending release. Please click the link to confirm your account details.”

Once clicked, the link sends users to a website that mimics ODT’s official page and misuses the department’s logo and branding.

What ODT Wants You to Know

Ohio Tax Commissioner Patricia Harris stressed that the Department of Taxation will never use text messaging to contact taxpayers:

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, even going so far as to copy our logos and create fake websites that look official. I want Ohioans to know that the Department of Taxation will never contact you by text about your taxes or refunds. If you receive one of these messages, do not click the link—go directly to tax.ohio.gov to ensure you are on our official site.”

How to Protect Yourself

Here are key reminders to help you stay safe:

• ODT never sends texts about tax matters or refunds.

• Never click links or reply to suspicious text messages.

• Do not share personal or financial information by text.

• Verify the website address — the only official site is [tax.ohio.gov](https://tax.ohio.gov).

• When in doubt, use the official contact numbers and email listed on ODT’s [Contact Us page](https://tax.ohio.gov).

Firelands Accounting will never text you sensitive information. Please use your Karbon portal link we have provided.