BATAVIA, N.Y. — The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a new text message scam in which fraudsters pose as state officials to steal personal information.

According to the sheriff’s office, scammers have been contacting residents by text, claiming to represent the "New York Department of Revenue" or the "State Division of Taxation and Finance" about so-called inflation refund checks. Authorities say the messages are designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive personal data.

"The goal is to steal personal information," the sheriff’s office said Friday in a warning issued to the public.

Officials are reminding residents that "no New York State agency will ever contact you via phone, email, or text message." Those who are eligible for legitimate inflation refun

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