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.

Suspect Arraigned in 'Horrific' Dragging Case

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Complete write-thru 3 p.m., Feb. 18.


District Attorney TimothyShugrue says the community has been 'really upset' by this case. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Hancock man has been charged in last week's gruesome dragging that killed 69-year-old William Colbert. 
 
William Gross, 65, was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Wednesday for negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene. He was arrested Monday after police investigators narrowed down the type of car seen on video at the accident scene. 
 
Police say Colbert had fallen in the road at the Francis Avenue and Linden Street intersection on Feb. 10 before he was struck and dragged nearly four miles. His body was found on West Housatonic Street.
 
Gross is being held on $250,000 cash bail in the Berkshire County House of Corrections. District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said the case will go to a grand jury and foresees additional charges being placed. 
 
"I think this community was really upset by this case," Shugrue said while being interviewed by the press after the morning arraignment.  
 
"It's a horrific case, and the fact that someone was fleeing, and there was someone that was stuck there that could have been treated, and potentially in the initial stages, could have been potentially saved." 
 
Colbert was coming from a house on Francis Avenue about 11:30 on Feb. 10 when fell in the road and had trouble getting up, according to Shugrue. 
 
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