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Taxpayers should be aware of Coronavirus-related scams

Bruce Claassen

April 16, 2020

The IRS has started issuing COVID-19 Economic Impact payments.  So of course, scammers are trying to get in on the action.  Be on the lookout for IRS impersonation calls, texts and email phishing attempts about these payments.  These scams can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.

 

Here’s what you should know:

  • The IRS will not call, email or text you to verify or request your financial, banking or personal information.

  • Watch out for websites and social media attempts to request money or personal information. The official website is IRS.gov.

  • Don't open surprise emails that look like they’re coming from the IRS or click on attachments or links.

  • You should not provide personal or financial information or engage with potential scammers online or over the phone.

  • Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov, then delete.

  • Go to IRS.gov for the most up-to-date information.

 

Here’s what you should know about the Economic Impact Payments:

  • The IRS will automatically deposit Economic Impact Payments into the bank account you provided on your 2019 or 2018 tax return for a direct deposit of their tax refund.

  • If you don't have a direct deposit account on file, you may be able to provide your banking information online through a new secure tool, Get My Payment.

  • Anyone who is eligible for an Economic Impact Payment and doesn’t provide direct deposit information will receive a payment mailed to the last address the IRS has on file. (This could take months)

  • The IRS does not charge a fee to issue the payment.

 

Scammers may:

  • Ask you to sign over your Economic Impact Payment check to them.

  • Ask for verification of personal or banking information.

  • Suggest that they can get you a tax refund or Economic Impact Payment faster by working on your behalf.

  • Issue a bogus check, often in an odd amount, then tell you to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.

 

Official IRS information about the COVID-19 pandemic and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on IRS.gov.