Fraud and Consumer Alerts

Tax Collection Scams

Criminals Pretending to Be a Texas State Agency Demanding Payment of Tax or Other State Debts Distraint Warrants

April 2023

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts recently received information that criminals are targeting Texas taxpayers with fraudulent letters from a "Tax Processing Unit," "Tax Processing Center" or similar entities with deceptive names. The letters threaten taxpayers with severe consequences, such as revoking passports, revoking driver's licenses or seizing property unless they immediately pay the amount demanded for a debt or back taxes. See sample letters (PDF).

The letters often state that a "Distraint Warrant" has been filed, and the entity will file a lien on all of the taxpayer’s property. In some cases, the letter claims that "the warrant serves the same function as a court judgment."

The letter directs taxpayers to call a toll-free number within 10 or 15 days of receiving the notice to avoid further enforcement. It also falsely claims that failing to respond in time will result in additional penalties and lead to a "default judgment."

If you received a “Distraint Warrant” or similar letter, do not call the toll-free number provided in the letter, and do not give the sender personal information or money. Instead, please notify us by emailing stop.spoofing@cpa.texas.gov or calling the Comptroller's Collection Team at 800-252-8880.