According to the IRS, there's a new stimulus check texting scam that you need to know about. Thieves are sending text messages saying, "you have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment."
The text then has a link to a fake phishing website that looks like the IRS's online "Get My Payment" portal. The idea is to trick people into disclosing bank account information under the guise of receiving a $1,200 stimulus check. Unfortunately, if you visit the fraudulent website and then enter your personal and financial account information, you will actually be giving this information to scammers.
Remember that neither the IRS nor any state agency will ever text you to ask for bank account information to make a stimulus check payment. They don't send unsolicited texts or emails. And they don't call people with threats of jail or lawsuits, or demand tax payments on gift cards.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you receive one of these phony text messages, take a screenshot of it and email it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. Also include the:
- Date and time (including time zone) you received the text message;
- Number that appeared on your Caller ID; and
- Number that received the text message.
If who believe you're eligible for a stimulus check, go directly to IRS.gov. If you're not required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return, but you're eligible for a stimulus check, you have until November 21 to use the IRS's non-filers tool to claim your payment.
-
It’s Tax Day: Is the Post Office Open Late?Tax Filing Tax Day is here and some people need to mail their federal income tax returns.
-
Need to Build an Emergency Fund? Seven Steps to Get ThereHaving a safety net can mean peace of mind on top of being able to maintain your lifestyle if a financial emergency strikes.
-
It’s Tax Day: Is the Post Office Open Late?
Tax Filing Tax Day is here and some people need to mail their federal income tax returns.
-
High Earners: Beware of These Illegal Schemes to Lower TaxesTax Schemes The IRS says high-income filers are targets for several illegal tax schemes.
-
Mailing Your Tax Return This Year? What to Know Before You DoTax Filing There are plenty of reasons not to mail your tax return this year, but here’s what you should know if you are.
-
IRS Warning: Beware of Smishing and 'Helper' Tax ScamsScams Tax season is a time to look out for email and text message scams.
-
Most Expensive States to Live in for HomeownersProperty Taxes High property tax bills make the places on this list the most expensive states for homeowners to live in.
-
Don’t Miss This $2,500 Tax Break for Paying Your Student LoanTax Deductions Do you qualify for the student loan interest deduction this year?
-
How Much Richer Could You Be Without a Big Tax Refund?Tax Refunds A big tax refund isn’t a reason to celebrate if you overpaid throughout the year. Here’s how much money your interest-free loan to the government could have cost you.
-
How to Calculate Your Adjusted Gross Income — and What It MeansIncome Tax Your eligibility for certain money-saving tax breaks depends on your adjusted gross income.
