As taxpayers begin to receive Economic Impact Payments, scammers are on the prowl. Be on the lookout for IRS impersonation calls, texts and email phishing attempts about the coronavirus or COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments. These scams can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft. According to the IRS, here’s what taxpayers 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.
- Taxpayers 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 people should know about the Economic Impact Payments:
- The IRS will automatically deposit Economic Impact Payments into the bank account taxpayers provided on their 2019 or 2018 tax return for a direct deposit of their tax refund.
- Those without a direct deposit account on file may be able to provide their 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.
- The IRS does not charge a fee to issue the payment.
Scammers may:
- Ask an individual to sign over their Economic Impact Payment check to them.
- Ask for verification of personal or banking information.
- Suggest that they can get someone tax refund or Economic Impact Payment faster by working on their behalf.
- Issue a bogus check, often in an odd amount, then tell a person to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.
Please be aware of these scams and protect yourself. Contact the Crosslin tax team with any questions.
