Watch Out for Stimulus Check Texting Scam
Scammers are sending text messages that trick people into disclosing bank account information to get a $1,200 stimulus check.


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.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee
Property Tax Moving to Tennessee might be within your reach. Homeowners in these counties pay some of the lowest property tax bills in the state.
-
I'm 60 with $2.8 million saved. I'm miserable working, but I need health insurance until Medicare kicks in. What are my options?
The 'health care desert' is real. We ask financial experts for advice.
-
Ask the Editor, August 22: Tax Questions on What Congress Will Do Next
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer questions from readers on what Congress will do next with taxes.
-
Stay NJ Could Give You $6,500: The Deadline You Can't Miss
Property Taxes New Jersey has a new property tax relief program for 2025. But the application deadline is fast approaching.
-
Ask the Editor, August 15: Tax Questions on the OBBB, Tax Rates
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on the OBBB and changes, if any, to tax rates.
-
The Fall Garden Tax? What to Plant and How to Prepare
Tax Tips Fall gardening could increase your taxes this season. Here’s what to know while planting in 2025.
-
Ask the Editor, August 8: Tax Questions on Roth IRA Conversions
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
Retirees Should Watch These Four Key Tax Changes in 2025
Tax Changes This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income.
-
How to Guard Against the New Generation of Fraud and Identity Theft
Identity Theft Fraud and identity theft are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Stay ahead of the scammers with our advice.