The IRS has been sending out COVID-19 stimulus payments, which scammers are using to try and get personal information.
“We realize that folks are hurting and we certainly don’t want to rain on any parades, but the (BBB) is already receiving reports that government imposters are calling and texting people with instructions to fill out personal information in order to receive their stimulus checks. The scammers are asking for Social Security numbers and bank account information” stated, Jim Hegarty, president and CEO of the Regional BBB. “The fact that people are being contacted at all is the tip-off to the rip-off,” stated Hegarty. “The IRS will not reach out to you to for this kind of information, they already have it. BBB is cautioning not to respond to these fake communications, as these checks are being sent out automatically. Any correspondence that may come from the IRS will be by U.S. mail.”
If you want to check on the status of your payment or see if the IRS has your direct deposit information, you can do it at the IRS website using the link below.
