As people begin to receive funds from the federal government’s $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the IRS Criminal Investigation unit is warning people to be wary of schemes to steal their relief money.
“The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information,” Karl Stiften, special agent in charge of the St. Louis field office of IRS Criminal Investigation, said in a written statement.
Individuals and families will receive stimulus package assistance in the form of a one-time $1,200 payment to most people who earn less than $75,000. For most married couples, each will each receive a check, and families will get an additional $500 per child. Those payments are being made through direct deposit to people’s bank accounts or by checks mailed to them.
Electronic payments started late week, with checks expected to be mailed out starting April 24. However, depending on your income and how you file your taxes, among other factors, it could take a while to get your check, government officials said.
The IRS said criminals may try to get you to sign over your check to them, or they may ask you to “verify” your filing information, claiming you need to provide the information in order to receive your stimulus payment. The IRS warns people not to give out their information because scammers may use it to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme.
The IRS issued these tips to spot potential scams:
• The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information, even if someone claims it’s necessary to get your check.
• If you receive a call, don’t engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it’s a scam, or you think that you can beat them.
• If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don’t click on any links in those emails or texts.
• If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a check that requires you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s fraud.
“IRS Criminal Investigation is prepared to investigate and bring to justice those who seek to take advantage of citizens who are the intended recipients of these economic impact payments,” Stiften said.
For more information, visit the IRS website at irs.gov/coronavirus, and to report a scam, go to irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing.
