Beware of the Scammers
March 22, 2021
The recent stimulus checks have caused the scammers to come out of the woodwork, and there are many new phishing schemes out there. Please read below and watch out for anyone asking for information either online, text, or email.
- You get an email from the IRS that says your payment could not be deposited because of an error. You must visit a site and confirm your banking information. DON’T DO IT!
- A post on Facebook says you can double your stimulus payment if you haven’t received it yet, so “visit this site to get information on how to qualify.” The site loads malware on your computer that steals your online banking credentials.
- You get a phone call stating they are with the IRS, Treasury Department, etc. These are scammers. The IRS or US Treasury will not call you.
- You get an email, text, or Facebook message asking you to click a link to “apply” for a stimulus payment. The application then asks for sensitive information such as your Social Security number. The link is probably armed with malware that will harm your device, and your information will be stolen.
- Some fraudsters might offer expedited stimulus payments to your account in exchange for a processing fee. There is no way to get a stimulus payment earlier and there is no fee, ever.
- Small businesses may get a message from a scammer offering new COVID-19 relief programs, and need information in order to send an application to the government. Do not give out your information – call your bank for details about any new programs.
Stay safe and secure and keep your sensitive information to yourself!
