HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Department of Taxation is warning the public of a continuing scam that’s making it’s way through various states, including Hawaii.
The state said taxpayers have been sent threatening letters and text messages claiming that they hadn’t paid a tax.
Recently, someone received a letter asking to clear a wire transfer fee to get a loan in a checking account and apparently people in other states have received similar fake messages.
The department said it does not send unsolicited text messages, emails, nor do they post on social media about taxes owed.
Tax officials say they do not authorize loan clearances or approve bank wire transfers either.
Safety experts say do not click on any open link, open attachments, call the phone number provided, or give any money. It’s a scam.
So how can you tell if a letter from the Department of Taxation is authentic?
Officials said when initiating contact with taxpayers, the tax department will always first send a letter via postal mail and provide a direct telephone number to our offices.
Here are a few things a letter from DOTAX will include:
To confirm whether a letter or mailer is from the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation, taxpayers are asked to call the Taxpayer Services Call Center at (808) 587-4242 or 1-800-222-3229 (Toll-Free).
In addition, any correspondence from the “Hawaii Department of Revenue” or “Tax Assessment Securities” should be discarded.
They’re also reminding residents to be vigilant about protecting their information from scammers.
Here are some tips:
For more information on how to protect your information or how to recognize if you’re being scammed, click here.
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