Yes, inflation refund checks are real — but only from your state, and only if your state passed a law to send them
Inflation refund checks are real payments that some states have sent to residents when state tax revenue exceeded what the law allowed them to keep. These are not federal checks, and the federal government does not send them. The checks come from your state's tax department or comptroller's office, and they arrive in the mail with an official state envelope and your name printed on it.
The catch: not every state sends these checks, and they do not happen every year. A state has to pass a law first, decide how much money to return, and then mail the checks. This means you cannot request one, and you do not have to do anything to receive it if your state is sending one. If you live in a state that sent refund checks, you would have received yours by now — they are not coming in the future.
Scammers know these checks are real, which is why they use the name to trick people. They send fake emails, texts, or letters claiming you are owed a check and asking you to click a link, call a number, or give personal information. The real check arrives in the mail without you doing anything.
Key Takeaways
- Inflation refund checks come only from your state government, not the federal government, and only if your state passed a law to send them.
- Real checks arrive in the mail in an official state envelope with your name printed on it — you do not have to request them or take any action.
- Scammers send fake emails, texts, and letters claiming you are owed a refund and asking you to click links or share personal information.
- If you receive a message asking you to verify information or click a link to claim a refund, it is a scam — the real government does not contact you that way.
- You can check your state's tax department website to see if your state sent refund checks and whether you received yours.
How to tell a real inflation refund check from a scam
A real inflation refund check arrives in the mail in an official envelope from your state's tax department or comptroller's office. The envelope has your state's official seal or logo, your name and address printed on it, and a return address for the state agency. Inside is a check with your name on it, the state's name, and an official check number. You did nothing to receive it — it straightforward arrived.
A scam message asks you to do something: click a link, call a phone number, verify your information, or provide your Social Security number or bank details. Real government agencies do not contact you by email, text, or phone to tell you about money owed to you. They mail a check. If a message is asking you to take action, it is a scam.
Scammers also create fake websites that look like your state's tax department. They may send you a link in an email or text saying "Claim your refund here" or "Verify your information." The website looks official but is designed to steal your login information or Social Security number. If you received a message with a link, do not click it. Instead, go directly to your state's tax department website by typing the web address into your browser yourself.
What to do if you think you received a scam message
If you received an email or text claiming you are owed an inflation refund and asking you to click a link or call a number, do not respond and do not click anything. Delete the message.
If you clicked a link and entered personal information, contact your bank and credit card companies right away to let them know. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Report the scam message to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If it was an email, you can also forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. These reports help law enforcement track scams and warn other people.
How to check if your state sent refund checks
To find out whether your state sent inflation refund checks and whether you received yours, go to your state's tax department website. Search for "inflation refund" or "tax refund" on that site. Most states that sent checks posted information about the program, including who was sent a check, when it was mailed, and how to track it.
Your state's tax department website is usually found by searching "[your state name] department of revenue" or "[your state name] comptroller." Once you are on the official site, look for a section about refunds or recent tax changes. If your state sent refund checks, there will be a page explaining the program and how to check the status of your check.
You can also call your state's tax department directly. The phone number is on the official state website. Have your Social Security number and address ready when you call, and ask whether your state sent refund checks and whether one was mailed to you.
States that have sent inflation refund checks
Several states have sent refund checks in recent years when tax revenue was higher than expected. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Virginia. However, this list changes as new states pass refund laws and others do not.
The amount of each check varies by state and depends on how much money the state had to return and how many residents were in the state. Some checks were for under $100, while others were for several hundred dollars. The year you received the check also matters — states that sent checks in 2022 may not send them in 2024.
If you are not sure whether your state sent refund checks, the safest approach is to check your state's official tax department website. Do not rely on emails, texts, or calls claiming to tell you about a refund.
Why scammers use the name "inflation refund"
Scammers use the name "inflation refund" because it is real and recent enough that many people remember hearing about it. When a scam uses a real government program as its cover story, people are more likely to trust the message and click the link or call the number.
The scam works because it combines something true (some states did send refund checks) with something urgent-sounding (you are owed money) and a request for action (click here, call now, verify your information). This combination makes people act quickly without thinking, which is exactly what scammers want.
The best defense is to remember that real government checks arrive in the mail without you doing anything. If a message is asking you to take action to receive money, it is a scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the federal government send me an inflation refund check?
No. Only state governments send inflation refund checks, and only when state tax revenue exceeds what state law allows them to keep. The federal government does not send these checks. If a message says it is from the federal government or the IRS about an inflation refund, it is a scam.
What should I do if I received a check in the mail but I am not sure if it is real?
Check the envelope and the check itself for official state markings, your state's seal, and a return address for your state's tax department. Then go to your state's tax department website and look for information about the refund program. You can also call the tax department directly using the phone number on the official website — not a number from the check or any message you received.
If I lost my inflation refund check, can I get another one?
Yes, but you have to contact your state's tax department directly. Go to your state's official website, find the tax department's phone number, and explain that you lost the check. They can issue a replacement or deposit the money into your bank account. Do not respond to any message claiming to help you replace a lost check.
Can I claim an inflation refund on my taxes if I did not receive a check?
No. Inflation refund checks are sent automatically by the state — you cannot claim them on your tax return. If your state sent refund checks and you did not receive one, contact your state's tax department to find out why. You may have moved, or the check may have been mailed to an old address.