What are the top 3 stimulus check scams?
With billions of dollars on the line, some scammers are trying to take advantage of Americans who need their stimulus check to buy food, pay rent or otherwise remain financially stable. Here are the top 3 to look out for.
- Websites Advertising Early Payments: Some websites and phishing scams have surfaced, boasting that they can send people their stimulus checks faster. There is no concrete timeline for when the payments will be sent out, but they will be done automatically. You don’t have to sign up for an account or link any person or agency to your account or PayPal, and any claims otherwise are scams trying to gain access to your banking information.
- Calls from the IRS: Don’t trust any phone calls from the IRS claiming to need your Social Security number or bank information in order to arrange a direct deposit. All deposits will be made either through the direct deposit information you listed when you filed your taxes or through a secure online portal.
- Cash Advance Loans: Be careful of lenders offering you your stimulus money in advance. These loans often come with high interest rates, which add up quickly if your are unable to pay back the full amount within a short time frame.
Ignore and report any emails, calls, or websites that claim they can send you your money early — they are scams. Here’s how to spot a scam.
- Government Agencies will never ask for your social security number or call you for financial information. If you receive a request and aren’t sure, you can always call the IRS to see if they are missing information from you.
- Government agencies do not communicate through social media.
- Do not pay money for a “free” government grant or stimulus check.