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.

Lee: 3 Miles of Route 20 Being Repaved Next Year

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LEE, Mass. — Beginning next year, the state will repave three miles of Route 20 and reinforce two bridges, one over the Massachusetts Turnpike. 

Last week, the state Department of Transportation held a virtual design public hearing for the project. In addition to milling and resurfacing of the route, bridge structures L-05-024 (over Greenwater Brook) and L-05-052 (over I-90) will see maintenance repairs. 

"We just wanted to thank MassDOT for doing this project. We're very supportive of having the road redone and appreciate the work on it," Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said. 

"The town of Lee is looking forward to having the road repaved." 

Construction will begin in the spring of 2027.  

Traffic will be maintained with short-term flagging operations, and steel plates will conceal deck patching over Greenwater Brook. There will be staged construction on the bridge over the highway, with a single alternating travel lane controlled by a temporary signal. 

The project is estimated to cost $6.8 million, 90 percent from the federal government and 10 percent from the state; it is in the FY26 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. 

The hearing included public information on activities and rights-of-way needs for tree trimming, new utility poles, grading, drainage swales, and a driveway apron along the project corridor, items identified during the late design phases. 

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