For many Americans, the stimulus checks that are part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act stimulus package should start arriving this week. Jim Hegarty, president and CEO of the Regional BBB, says they are already receiving reports that government impostors 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 Hegarty. "The fact that people are being contacted at all is the tip-off to the rip-off. 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."
The majority of Americans are not going to have to do anything at all to receive their stimulus money. For anyone who filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and included their direct deposit information, no further action is needed. This includes seniors and retirees. Anyone who did not file taxes in recent years, or didn't sign up for direct deposit on recent tax returns, can go to irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments for more information.
Other scam reports to BBB involving stimulus check payments include text messages saying that your stimulus is pending your acceptance - but you must confirm by a specific date, and text messages stating that if you confirm your bank account information (by submitting it through a "phishing" link) and pay $50, you can get your stimulus check immediately.
Also reported is a Facebook message from a "friend" that asks you to call a specified number and give your Social Security number so you can find out when you'll get your government relief check. The woman who reported this scam said several of her church members had told her about it thinking it was real.
Some general tips to avoid these scams:
The government will never ask you to pay anything upfront in order to receive money. To get your stimulus check you will not have to pay any fee whatsoever.
You don't have to provide any personal information to the government in order to receive payment. They will use your tax return information for a direct deposit. They will not ask for your Social Security number, bank account number or credit card number.
Never give out your personal information to someone you do not know. Scammers will call and try to get you to.
Official sounding names are easily faked. Sound-alikes and email and snail mail look-alikes are fakes. Scammers try to fool you by imitating official agencies.
Phone numbers on your Caller ID are easily faked. Don't trust what your phone tells you about the caller.
If you have questions regarding suspicious calls, emails, mailings or texts about your stimulus check payment, contact the BBB at 800-649-6814 or visit their website at bbb.org.
