Beware of Scams: BBB Warns Against Clicking Links Promising a $1,400 IRS Stimulus Check

(KTLA) – Receiving a text message claiming you’re eligible for a $1,400 check from the IRS? Steer clear of any links. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning that this is a scam.

Fraudsters are posing as the IRS to deceive taxpayers into disclosing personal information.

The message will appear to originate from the IRS, asserting that you qualify to receive a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment, thereby requesting your personal details to process the payment.

“This IRS text is a phishing scam. The message includes a deceptive link that imitates a legitimate IRS website. Clicking on it could lead to malware or fraudulent forms asking for personal or financial data. The IRS doesn’t communicate with taxpayers via text, email, or social media, nor do they solicit information in this manner,” the BBB stated.

These scam texts are reportedly inspired by recent announcements from the tax agency. In late December, the IRS disclosed that it was distributing $2.4 billion to 1 million individuals to make up for those who hadn’t received all their federal stimulus payments during the pandemic.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit will automatically receive these payments, each capped at $1,400.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, officials recommend the following:

• Confirm authenticity: Legitimate IRS notifications are dispatched via postal mail, not through text or email.
• Refrain from clicking links: Avoid links in unsolicited messages. Instead, navigate directly to IRS.gov for information.
• Exercise caution regarding urgency: Scammers often instill urgency to prompt hasty actions. Take the necessary time to confirm claims independently.
• Report the scam: Forward any suspicious messages to [email protected] and report them at BBB.org/ScamTracker.