IRS Scam Warning for Millions: Exercise Caution When Claiming Your Check!

Beware of Stimulus Check Frauds – these incidents are becoming increasingly common. As a recipient of stimulus checks, it’s crucial to stay updated about any payment information solely through verified government sources. Scammers often target people from vulnerable groups who are common recipients of these payments. The IRS has recently alerted recipients about a fraudulent scheme that solicits their payment information.

Heightened Scam Activities During Tax Season

The tax season officially began on January 27, and with it, there’s typically a surge in scam operations. This increase is often due to the more frequent communication between the IRS and taxpayers during this period. Scammers seize this opportunity to pose as IRS officials, which tends to be less suspicious during the tax season. Phishing attacks, where scammers impersonate legitimate entities to steal sensitive information, are particularly rampant during this time.

Alert: $1,400 IRS Stimulus Payment Fraud

There have been reports of phishing attempts targeting taxpayers with messages about a $1,400 stimulus payment. These messages claim the recipient is eligible for the unclaimed 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, intended for those who missed it during the pandemic. The scammers ask for personal information to process this payment.

A typical message, as reported by North Carolina’s WSOC-TV, states: “You are eligible to receive an economic impact payment of $1,400. Please provide your accurate personal information. We will deposit the amount into your bank account or issue you a paper check within 1 to 2 business days.” However, if you are truly eligible for this payment, no action would be required on your part as the payments are processed automatically.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized in a December announcement, “To simplify the process and ensure that the funds reach those in need, we are issuing these payments automatically, which means there is no need for taxpayers to file an amended return to receive it.”

Protecting Yourself from Phishing Scams

With the onset of tax filing season, it’s vital to be on high alert for online scams. The IRS specifically warns against several widespread scams:

• Impersonation of charity organizations
• Misinformation about credits and refunds
• Disaster-related fraud
• Fraudulent tax debt settlement or relief services
• Scams involving unclaimed tax refunds
• Identity theft concerning unemployment claims
• Unexpected tax bills
• W-2 Form fraud

Seniors, in particular, are frequently targeted by scammers. “Scammers often focus on seniors, trying to obtain their personal information through phone calls, emails, or texts by posing as the IRS or other reputable agencies or companies,” stated IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Combating these scams requires a collaborative effort. By working with other federal agencies and tax community partners, we can extend our reach to protect seniors and other vulnerable taxpayers from these heinous scams.”

According to the IRS website, here are several key indicators to help verify whether a communication is genuinely from the IRS:

• The IRS never demands immediate payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers. Generally, they will mail a bill if there is any tax owed.
• The IRS won’t threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement for not paying.
• The IRS allows taxpayers the chance to question or appeal the amount they claim you owe.
• The IRS will never ask for credit, debit, or gift card numbers over the phone.

Always make sure to get your information directly from the IRS website or other official government channels, especially regarding updates on stimulus payments and other financial matters.