Mass Department of Revenue Cautions Public to Beware of Text Scams

Print Story | Email Story
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) is warning the public about text messages that appear to be from DOR and ask for payment or sensitive information, such as credit card numbers. 
 
DOR strongly advises recipients to avoid clicking on any links in these messages.
 
Recently, a wave of text messages—in Massachusetts and other states—falsely claimed taxpayers would be disqualified from receiving refunds if they did not submit the required payment information by September 19, 2025.
 
"If you receive a message urging you to respond quickly or click on a link, please do not reply or click the link. DOR does not send text messages about tax refunds," said Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder. "Scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate you or generate links that look like official website names and URLs. If you need to conduct an online transaction with DOR, please visit mass.gov/dor."
 
You can protect yourself by reporting identity theft to law enforcement, creditors, credit agencies, and government agencies. 
 
Please call our Contact Center at (617) 887-6367 or (800) 392-6089 (toll-free in Massachusetts) or email prohelp@dor.state.ma.us if you have any questions.  
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Springfield Man Arraigned for 'Senseless' Murder in Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said Friday's fatal stabbing was a senseless act of violence. 

On Monday, Springfield man Zyrus Jaynes, 24, was arraigned for murder in Central Berkshire District Court for allegedly stabbing 36-year-old Pittsfield man Jesse Gray to death after a disagreement on Hall Place. 

Families of the victim and defendant were present at the arraignment.  Jaynes is being held without the right to bail because he is being presented to a grand jury, and will be back in court on July 1. 

"This was seconds. That fast, that quick. Just over someone pulling into a driveway with a car," Shugrue said. 

"…This is an incredible tragedy, over this? For what? It's just very, very sad." 

According to the Pittsfield Police Department's reports, just before 10 p.m. on May 29, officers were dispatched to the area of 10 Hall Place for a reported stabbing.  Upon arrival, they found Gray with a stab wound to the left side near his armpit and began rendering aid until fire and EMS arrived. 

Gray was transported to Berkshire Medical Center and passed away less than an hour after. 

"I think he was shocked that he was stabbed," Shugrue said. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories