Beware of the 2025 Stimulus Check Scam: Protect Yourself!

Avoid Falling for This 2025 Stimulus Check Scam

Have you received a text claiming to be from the IRS stating that you’re eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check? If so, do not click on the link!

A recent alert from the Better Business Bureau warns consumers about IRS impersonators spreading false claims of a 2025 stimulus check. The fraudulent text asserts that you qualify for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and directs you to a fake IRS website. This is a phishing attempt aimed at obtaining your personal information and potentially infecting your devices with malware.

Understanding the Stimulus Check Scam

Scammers are taking advantage of the memory of pandemic-related stimulus checks, during which the government distributed billions in direct aid. They recognize that many Americans remain hopeful for financial assistance given current economic challenges, leveraging the actual payments the IRS is sending to those who didn’t claim their 2021 stimulus checks.

According to the BBB, this is how the scam typically unfolds: “You receive a text apparently from the IRS. It states that you qualify for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and requests your personal details. The scammer assures that the funds will be deposited into your bank account or sent via check within 1 to 2 business days.”

The link provided in the message is designed to resemble the official IRS site. Once clicked, it either leads you to a fake form requesting sensitive information like your Social Security Number and bank account details or installs malware on your device.

Why This Scam is So Persuasive

The effectiveness of the stimulus check scam, along with others, lies in its ability to closely mimic legitimate government communications. In late December 2024, the IRS publicized that it would be issuing stimulus checks to those who failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. This real information has many anticipating further relief, making the scam’s offer of a $1,400 check particularly appealing.

Scammers also take advantage of psychological tendencies, such as the fear of missing out. The prospect of “free money” taps into our instinct to act without thorough verification, particularly when messages appear to originate from the government. By instilling urgency and using convincing language, these con artists exploit our propensity for snap decisions—a prime example of default bias and anchoring.

Effective Strategies to Avoid the 2025 Stimulus Check Scam

So, how can you shield yourself from becoming a victim of this deceitful scheme? Here are some practical measures to protect your personal information:

• Double-Check Before Clicking: Always keep in mind that authentic IRS communications are delivered via postal mail—not through texts, emails, or social media. According to the BBB, “the IRS does not contact taxpayers through text, email, or social media, and they will never ask for information this way.” If you get an unsolicited message claiming you’re eligible for a stimulus check, avoid clicking the link.
• Watch for Urgency: Scammers frequently attempt to create a sense of urgency, pushing you to act without careful thought. If a message insists on immediate action—like stating your check will be deposited in 1 to 2 business days—pause and critically evaluate the situation. Genuine government operations do not work on such tight timelines.
• Utilize Official Sources: Familiarize yourself with how the IRS communicates. Legitimate notifications are sent by mail, and any updates about your stimulus check can be found on the official IRS website. Always cross-reference any message you receive with these trusted resources. For information on the stimulus check scam, visit IRS.gov and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to verify your status.
• Report Any Suspicious Activity: If you think you’ve received a scam message, report it at once. Forward any questionable emails or texts to [email protected] and notify the Better Business Bureau’s ScamTracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker). By doing this, you assist authorities in tracking down and shutting down these fraudulent schemes.

The Bottom Line on the Stimulus Check Scam

While the prospect of a stimulus check in 2025 may seem attractive, don’t let the temptation for quick financial gain cloud your judgment. The scam claiming a $1,400 stimulus check via text is essentially a phishing operation intended to steal your data. The IRS will not reach out to you through unsolicited digital messages; any authentic communication will come through official channels like postal mail or verified online resources. Remain alert, as it is likely that scammers will continue to exploit current trends, similar to DOGE Dividend checks.