BEWARE OF STIMULUS CHECK SCAMS

Congress has passed a federal stimulus package that will provide most Americans with a check to offset lost income due to the Covid-19 state of emergency.  Checks will be sent in a few weeks.  This means that you will receive a direct deposit check to your bank account (if your previously filed income tax return included that information) or a paper check that will be mailed to you. 
 
Scammers are already trying to take advantage of this situation. 
 
How to Spot a COVID-19 Federal stimulus scam:

• Government agencies will not contact you through social media, phone, text  or email.  Government agencies will not ask you to verify your personal information or provide banking details.  It is not “necessary” to provide this information in order to receive your stimulus check.  
• Government agencies will not ask for your social security number.   
• Government agencies will not contact you to get your funds “immediately” or “faster”. Government agencies will not ask you to pay a “processing fee”.   
• If a scammer calls or contacts you, don’t engage – hang up – delete the email – do not click on a link. 

 
WATCH OUT FOR:

• Government imposters – confirm websites from look-a-like website  Make sure it is a legitimate government website before believing any information provided to you. 
• When in doubt, assume it is a scam.

 
Government websites:             IRS:             www.irs.gov/coronovirus.
US Treasury:             https://home.treasury.gov/