Criminals are sending out fraudulent links to mobile devices, urging recipients to "activate" or "reactivate" their refund debit cards. But the links actually lead to a website that allows the senders to steal the victim's personal information, such as a social security number or credit card number, or install malware on the device.
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In a video statement, Feuer noted that Middle Class Tax Relief payments are made by direct deposit or a debit card sent via postal mail. However, he said, many Californians are unaware of the program or how it works -- "and this creates an opening for scammers."
"Californians are so eager at this time of year to get this tax relief," Feuer said in an interview. "It would be a fairly automatic gesture to simply click onto a link, when you're asked to activate a California prepaid debit card. Any of us could be vulnerable to this."
Feuer said even he and some of his staff members received the nefarious text messages.
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Anyone who is sent a similar text is advised to simply delete it.