A another scam is making its way to consumers clamming to be from the Internal Revenue Service offering an “$1,400 stimulus check.” As explained on the BBB Website scammers impersonate the I.R.S and send what looks like a legitimate text message claiming that the person receiving the text is eligible for the rebate.
The text will ask you to click a link and enter your banking information or other personal information claiming your money will either be deposited in your account or a check will be mailed out in one to two business days. These text messages are actually what is called a “phishing scam,” once you click on the link and enter your personal information the scammer now has access to your banking and other personal info.
This scam does have some truth to it as reported by the BBB the IRS did announce that automatic payments would be issued to eligible taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. However no responding to a text message is necessary to receive the rebate for those who are eligible’
Tips on how to avoid being a victim to cyber scams
- Never click on a link that you receive in a text message or email from someone claiming to be from any government entity. If you receive one use verified means such as the agency’s phone number or email to verify that the communication came from them.
- Beware of any communication that insists you take immediate action scammers play on this so their intended victim will make a rash and uninformed decision.
- Send any suspicious messages of any kind to phishing@irs.gov and report them to the BBB SpamTracker.
Remember the I.R.S. will never contact via ext, email, or social media. Share these tips with friends and love ones and stay informed.
