Mass Department of Revenue Cautions Public to Beware of Text Scams

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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.

Dalton Police Facility Report Complete; Station Future Still Uncertain

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee's final report is complete but the future of the station remains uncertain. 
 
Several members of the committee attended the Select Board meeting last week, as co-Chair Craig Wilbur presented four options delineated in the presentation — build on town-owned land, build on private land, renovate or repurpose the existing buildings, and do nothing. The full report can be found here
 
According to the report, addressing the station's needs coincides with the town facing significant financial challenges, with rising fixed costs and declining state aid straining its budget. 
 
These financial pressures restrict the town's ability to fund major capital projects and a new police station has to compete with a backlog of deferred infrastructure needs like water, sewer, roads, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
 
In June 2024, Police Chief Deanna Strout informed the board of the station's dire condition — including issues with plumbing, mold, ventilation, mice, water damage, heating, and damaged cells — prompting the board to take action on two fronts. 
 
The board set aside American Rescue Plan Act funds to address the immediately dire issues, including the ventilation, and established the Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee to navigate long-term options
 
Very early on it was determined that the current facility is not adequate enough to meet the needs of a 21st-century Police Facility. This determination was backed up following a space needs assessment by Jacunski Humes Architects LLC
 
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