IRS Stimulus Check Scams Ramp Up
The Treasury Department and IRS announced that the automatic distribution of stimulus checks will start within the next week, with no action required for most people. Scammers are already one step ahead with IRS stimulus check scams and have started making calls asking for people’s bank account number to deposit their check.
Who Is It Targeting
Individuals awaiting the stimulus checks
What Is It
Phony IRS stimulus check scam calls asking for bank account numbers in order to receive a $1,200 stimulus check payment
What They Are After
Scammers will use this opportunity to try and trick consumers that the IRS needs their bank account information in order to deposit the check. In reality, no one has to give their personal information to receive the payment. As noted in this Forbes article, “Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns in either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment.”
How You Can Avoid It
- Never give out personal information over the phone, especially to numbers you do not recognize.
- Check the facts! If you get a call saying it is an IRS stimulus check scam, know it is a scam. The IRS will not call you. Federal aid will either be deposited via account information the IRS already has from your tax filings or they will send you a check.
If people have questions regarding stimulus check scams, they are encouraged to contact the Identity Theft Resource Center through the website to live chat with an expert advisor.
For those that cannot access the website, call the toll-free hotline (888.400.5530) and leave a message for an advisor. While the advisors are working remotely, there may be a delay in responding but someone will assist you as quickly as possible.
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