Recently, the IRS and state tax agencies issued a warning to taxpayers not to release their bank account information to anyone claiming they will deposit a new Economic Impact Payment or stimulus check into their account. This new scam comes on the heels of several other COVID-19 related scams where hackers attempt to obtain personal information from unsuspecting victims.
The Scam
Scammers are sending text messages that state that the recipient has received $1200 from the COVID-19 Treasury Fund. The text goes on to explain that additional action is required to accept the payment into the recipient’s bank account. The text message contains a link to an illegitimate website. Once the recipient clicks the link, they are prompted to enter their personal bank information. The website looks real and even savvy internet users might be fooled. Although this type of phishing scam is not new, this one is particularly nefarious as it preys on the financial troubles faced by many around the country.
Recipients of these text messages are being asked by the IRS to take a screenshot of the message and send it via email to phishing@irs.gov. The email should include the date, time, and time zone the message was received, the number that appeared on the caller ID, and the phone number that received the text message.
Never Provide Personal Information Over the Phone or Through Text Message
Although we could all use another stimulus check, this isn’t how they will arrive. It’s important to know the IRS will never text you or call you to collect your personal information. They use the bank information included on your 2019 tax return to deposit your stimulus check in your bank account. If this wasn’t provided, the IRS sends the check by mail. Although Americans had the option to add bank information to receive a direct deposit of their stimulus check, this was done on an encrypted website owned by the U.S. Treasury.
Eligible Americans that have not yet received a stimulus check should receive it soon. Last month, the IRS extended the deadline for non-filers to request a stimulus check to November, 21, 2020. Just keep in mind, the check will either come by mail or through direct deposit to your bank account.
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