How to Identify the Latest Round of Stimulus Check Scams

Don't fall for this “stimulus” scam...I've received it in my email and knew instantly it was phony.

This scam makes it appear that it's from the IRS and even says you have to PAY the State Dept. a fee to prove you're not part of a terrorist group BEFORE you receive a check.

According to the Detroit Free Press,

1) Economic Impact Payments being sent by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department are not taxable.

2) You do not have to pay money upfront via gift cards or anything else to receive the stimulus cash.

3) The FTC isn't involved in the stimulus payments in any way.

Scammers can make this look legitimate, so be alert. The IRS does NOT send out e-mails, texts, or phone calls.

If it says it will be sent directly to your bank account if you click a link. STOP RIGHT THERE.

If you want the true facts about a second – and even third - stimulus check, go to IRS.gov/coronavirus. Any text or e-mail that asks you to click a link, give out your bank account number, Social Security number, address, or passwords, FORGET IT.

Report any suspicious scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.