Economic Impact Payment Scam Warning Signs

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the difference between a genuine email or message and a scam.  Remember, the IRS will never call, text, email, or contact a taxpayer on social media asking for personal or account information related to the economic impact payments. Here are some of the key warning signs to look out for to avoid fraud:

• Emphasizing the words ‘Stimulus Check’ or ‘Stimulus Payment’. The official term is economic impact payment.
• Asking the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
• Asking by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment.
• Suggesting that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer’s behalf. This scam could be conducted by social media or even in person.
• Mailing the taxpayer a fake check, perhaps in an odd amount, then telling the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.
• Receiving texts or emails claiming you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links. Do not click on any links in those emails or texts.