Scams
Do not reply to text messages, download attachments, or click on any links in texts or emails if you’re not sure they’re genuine. View our Text messaging page to verify when FTB texts and what information we send.
Taxpayers should be aware of third-party online bill payment companies that offer other ways for taxpayers to make payments. Companies may charge excessive fees and may not ensure timely payments. Some websites are designed to suggest they are affiliated with FTB when they are not.
All of FTB’s payment options are described on our payment options page. Your FTB account balance is subject to accruing interest and applicable penalties until paid in full.
Overview
Scammers sometimes pretend to be government officials to get you to send them money or access your information.
The main types of scams are through:
- Text messaging
- Phone
- Websites
Typically, we contact you by mail several times prior to contacting you directly by phone or in person.
Report a scam
Before you start
You can report anonymously. However, it helps us if you identify yourself.
- We will not share your identity unless required by law
- We cannot offer rewards
What you’ll need
- URL and email address that was involved in the alleged fraudulent activity
- The type of personal information stolen (if applicable)
- Supporting documents (if available)
- Your contact information (optional)
Privacy and disclosure laws prohibit us from sharing information regardless of whether we take action.
You can report a scam:
- Online
- Report a scam
- Phone
- 800-540-3453
Weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM
To provide additional information or correct previous information, submit another report.
If you’re sending supporting documents, include your referral number at the top of the first page.
Types of scams
You should be suspicious of anyone that contacts you and:
- Asks for passwords for your credit cards, bank account, bank debit card, MyFTB account, email account, personal or business accounts.
- Threatens to contact law-enforcement to have you arrested if a tax debt is not paid.
- Demands payment by third-party issued or pre-paid debit cards. We do not accept these forms of payment.
- Claims that there is a problem with your account. Our agents already have access to your account information and will explain the nature and details of your tax or nontax debt.
Text messaging
If you receive a suspicious or unsolicited text message claiming to be from FTB, do not respond or click on any links, as the text may be a phishing scam.
A phishing text may ask for:
- Usernames
- Passwords
- Payment
- Credit and debit card numbers
- Banking information
- PINs
- Social security number
FTB does not send text messages asking for personal or financial information or account numbers.
View our Text messaging page to verify when FTB texts and what information we send.
If you receive a suspicious email that claims to be from us requesting personal information, it may be a phishing email. Phishing emails look legitimate because they often use real logos and phone numbers. Delete it from your inbox and your trash folder.
Commonly requested information in a phishing email may include:
- Social security number
- Username
- Password
- Credit card or bank account numbers
- Wage withholding
- Employee payroll
The email may also direct you to a fake website. Once you enter your personal information, it can be used to steal your identity.
Phone
Phone scams are the most common method used to scam taxpayers. Phone scams involve a caller claiming to be associated with us.
The caller may:
- Say you owe taxes
- Demand payment and ask for the payment to be made through a pre-paid card, even staying on the phone with you while you go to purchase one
- Threaten to contact law-enforcement to:
- Have you arrested
- Suspend your license
- Have you deported
If you receive a letter by mail that claims to be from us requesting personal information, it may be a scam. View our letters page to verify the notices we send. If you would like additional verification, contact us.