[US] Tax Refund Text Scam

I just received this text—despite not even it being remotely near tax refund season 😂. Sadly, I'm sure money-hungry folks would definitely click on whatever that link leads to.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA Franchise Tax Board (FTB)

Your tax refund claim has been processed and approved. Please provide your accurate collection information before September 08, 2025. We will deposit the money into your bank account or email paper check within 1-2 working days.

https://sketchy-link-I-removed-for-this-post

・Failure to submit required payment information by September 08, 2025 will result in permanent forfeiture of this refund under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 19322.

Just reply with 'Y', then close and reopen the message to make the link work. If that doesn’t do it, copy the link and paste it straight into Safari.

California Franchise Tax Board | Sacramento, CA | Official State Agency