The tax season has arrived, and unfortunately, so have the scammers. Scams related to stimulus checks are currently on the rise. For this reason, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a critical alert about a new surge of fraud involving $1,400 stimulus payments. If you are eligible for this type of payment, it’s essential to stay informed exclusively through official government sources.
Who qualifies for these checks?
Typically, individuals from vulnerable demographics are the most likely recipients. Scammers exploit their urgency, making them easy targets for deception and exploitation.
How do these scams operate?
The method is straightforward and relies on a familiar tactic: scammers send fake text messages and emails impersonating the IRS, asking for personal information to “process the payment.”
These messages are phishing attempts, and they often resemble the following:
“You are qualified to receive a $1,400 economic stimulus payment. To claim it, please confirm your banking information and mailing address. The deposit will be made within 1 to 2 business days.”
However, the links contained in these messages are fraudulent and may appear to be legitimate websites designed to steal your personal data.
Are these scams prevalent?
The IRS had previously warned on January 27 that such scams could emerge. As tax season begins, there is invariably an uptick in scams during this time. It’s remarkably easy to impersonate a federal agency at this moment, making it less suspicious, and thus, scammers can exploit vulnerable individuals and their pressing needs.
As previously mentioned, the primary technique at play is “phishing,” where attackers use text messages or links to masquerade as organizations, leading individuals to inadvertently disclose sensitive information.
Which stimulus payment are these scams referring to?
The $1,400 payment in question pertains to the 2021 recovery rebate credits. This applies to individuals who did not claim their tax refund during that year or throughout the pandemic. It’s vital to note that if you qualify for this payment, it is processed automatically since the IRS maintains your data from those years, meaning taxpayers do not need to make any requests to receive it.
How can you safeguard against phishing?
It’s crucial to remember that while scams often peak during tax season, they can occur at any time (potentially through phone calls or fraudulent letters, not just texts or emails). The tips we will share are useful for avoiding various types of scams:
- Refrain from clicking on suspicious links: If you receive a message regarding a stimulus check, do not click on any hyperlinks. The IRS will never ask for personal information in this manner.
- Confirm the source of the communication.
- The IRS never calls or emails to request banking details. If you’re uncertain, visit the official IRS website at www.irs.gov.
- Never divulge your personal data if someone reaches out requesting your Social Security number, banking details, or other personal information. Hang up and report it to the IRS. The IRS will not threaten arrest or immediate fines if you fail to provide personal information. If someone is pressuring you, it’s a scam.
- Report any fraudulent attempts.
If you come across a suspicious message, report it directly to the IRS through their official website at www.irs.gov/phishing or forward it to [email protected].
Moreover, the IRS identifies the following potential scams:
- Charity impersonators
- Misinformation about credits and refunds
- Disaster-related fraud
- Tax debt relief or settlement services
- Unclaimed tax refunds
- Unemployment fraud
- Unexpected tax bills
- W-2 fraud
Let’s join forces to prevent these unscrupulous individuals from preying on the vulnerable!
