Your Stimulus Check is in the Mail? No, It’s a Scam
by Watch out for a new internet scam that can appear to be a legitimate email from the IRS.
There is a new email being sent, with its subject “Making Work Pay”. It has the IRS logo on it and claims you’re entitled to a tax credit from the Economic Stimulus Package. Supposedly, you’ll get your check after entering in some personal information. This is a scam.
According to the IRS you actually WILL get some stimulus money… but you will see this refund by way of lesser withholdings in your paycheck – not in one lump sum.
Another scam to watch out for is one that claims you can get a tax refund of more than $300. This one will give you a (bogus) refund number after you complete an online form that asks for such things as your mother’s maiden name and your social security number.
Here are the basic facts you need to know to avoid these types of scams:
- The IRS says it will NOT communicate with taxpayers via the internet or email
- Ignore emails that require you to answer your personal & financial information
- If it has threatening language, it’s probably a scam (ex: you have just 48 hours to respond or you won’t get your check)
- Poor grammar and misspellings are a common sign of a scam
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