Steven Cohen  |  March 31, 2020

Category: Covid-19

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covid-19 tube with money and American flagIn the midst of the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus, the U.S. government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Part of the new law involves providing stimulus checks to certain Americans who qualify. However, there are stimulus check scams that are beginning to pop up that consumers should be aware of.

According to an article on Forbes, identity thieves are utilizing people’s confusion about the stimulus checks and may ask individuals to turn over personal information in order to receive money from the government.

The article points to a scam where people who are pretending to be a government entity are calling consumers and implying that they would qualify for coronavirus aid, but that it would be necessary to hand over personal identifying information first. Consumers are being contacted by text message, social media, and other messages, the Forbes article says.

Do you feel that you have experienced a scam related to stimulus checks? Get legal help by clicking here.

In addition, the article states that some stimulus check scammers are telling consumers that they will obtain stimulus checks faster if they provide detailed personal information and pay a “processing fee.”

However, there is no reason to pay a “processing fee” in order to receive the money, the article claims. The IRS will be depositing stimulus money directly into consumers’ accounts and there is no reason to pay any money in order to receive the check.

The article suggests that consumers do not give out personal information in order to get stimulus money. Personal identifying information includes your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the government and that you need to provide information in order to receive a check, the article recommends not engaging and hanging up the phone.

In addition, if you receive an email or text from someone claiming that they can get you the money faster by providing them with personal identifying information, delete them immediately and don’t click on any links.

The Forbes article mentions that there are reports of bogus stimulus checks going around. The article states that if consumers receive a “stimulus check” in the mail now, throw it away as the Treasury department is not sending checks out right away and the money will be deposited directly into your checking account.

In addition, experts say that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will never call you to ask for immediate payment via telephone. The IRS will not demand that you pay taxes without allowing you to ask questions or file an appeal nor will they ask for personal identifying information over the telephone.

An article from CNN statesScammers with cash in front of computer that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and state attorney generals and other governmental agencies are already warning consumers not to fall for bogus phone calls, texts, or emails from stimulus check scammers.

The CNN article says many Americans will be receiving $1,200 per person and that the money will be sent within the upcoming weeks. In addition, families will be receiving $500 per child under the age of 17.

The payments will be sent out to those who make less than $75,000 per year and will be reduced by $100 for every additional $100 of gross income. The article mentions that anyone making more than $99,000 per year will not be receiving any money from the federal stimulus bill.

Those who filed their tax returns electronically and provided the IRS with bank account information will likely get the stimulus money earlier than those who did not, according to the CNN article.

New York Attorney General Letitia James put out a press release on March 28, warning her constituents of potential stimulus scams related to COVID-19. The press release states that James has received reports that scammers are attempting to steal personal and financial information by using the news that the government will be sending out stimulus checks to consumers.

“The latest example involves scammers pretending to be from the federal government and preying on individuals who desperately need financial support right now. I remind all New Yorkers to be vigilant and take precautions to ensure they do not fall victim to these harmful and heartless scams,” the press release states.

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13 thoughts onBe Careful of COVID-19 Stimulus Check Scams

  1. Roger L. Lott says:

    Yes add me on

  2. Suzanne Pledger-Miller says:

    Add me please

  3. Suzanne Pledger-Miller says:

    Please add me….I’m sick of these fake calls!

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