For information regarding the unclaimed $1,400 checks, it is advisable to stay informed through the official website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Recently, there have been reports of scammers targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly those expecting to receive their stimulus checks or those who are hoping for such payments.
The IRS has also issued a warning for beneficiaries, but what specific dangers are beneficiaries being alerted to?
Scam Alert: $1,400 Checks
Scammers have been sending out phishing messages to entice taxpayers with the possibility of being eligible for the stimulus payment, also referred to as the unclaimed 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. While some individuals may qualify for this stimulus payment that they missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS has other means of directly depositing the payment to eligible individuals without sending out text messages regarding unclaimed payments.
Since the tax filing season began on January 27, 2025, the IRS has reported a rise in the incidence of reported scams. Because of the uptick in communications between taxpayers and the IRS, scammers are taking full advantage of this opportunity. These fraudsters often impersonate the IRS or other governmental entities to extract personal information from beneficiaries.
Scammers often target beneficiaries who may not fully understand the mechanisms behind payments like stimulus checks. They convincingly assert that personal information is necessary for processing such payments.
IRS Scam Alerts to Watch For
As the tax filing season is in full swing, beneficiaries must remain vigilant about various scams that have been reported.
Be on the lookout for:
- Charity impersonators
- Disaster fraud
- Tax debt settlement schemes
- Unexpected tax bills
- W-2 fraud
- Unclaimed tax refunds
These are just a few examples of scams that American citizens should be cautious about.
Tips for Avoiding Stimulus Check Scams
To steer clear of stimulus check scams, it is essential to verify all sources of communication. Official notifications regarding the $1,400 checks will be sent via mail, never through text messages, email, or even social media channels. For IRS-related payments, you should never click on any links. Messages that create a sense of urgency are often clear indicators of fraud. Always take your time to validate claims.
The IRS further advises that you can completely avoid these scams by remembering that the IRS will never demand immediate payments using debit cards or wire transfers. If you owe taxes, the IRS will first notify you by sending a bill through the mail. Should the IRS indicate that you owe a specific amount, they will allow you to challenge this amount. The IRS does not request credit, debit, or gift card numbers over the phone.
If you suspect phishing attempts, report the scam to [email protected].
More on the Fraudulent Text Messages
The IRS has issued warnings about fraudulent messages claiming that recipients are eligible for fake $1,400 checks. Upon receiving such messages, recipients are often prompted to click on a link. Once they click on a link that resembles the IRS website, it may install malware or redirect them to a deceptive form designed to capture their personal information. Citizens who receive unexpected IRS refunds should contact the IRS immediately.
According to the IRS, eligible recipients of the $1,400 stimulus checks will receive these payments automatically without any need for further action or application. This applies only to individuals who have filed their 2021 tax returns and did not claim their Recovery Rebate Credit. Eligible candidates will receive a letter confirming this payment from the IRS. Therefore, it is crucial to scrutinize any messages claiming to be from the IRS with caution.
