IRS Reports Economic Stimulus Check Scams

Credit Union Journal, The, May, 2008

Economic stimulus checks have begun showing up in mailboxes, and the IRS has issued an alert that scam artists are actively making the rounds using the proposed rebates as bait. Among the scams: Rebate Phone Call–Someone identifying himself as an IRS employee calls consumers and asks for bank account information for the direct deposit of the rebate. If the individual refuses, he is told that he cannot receive the rebate.

Refund e-mail–The bogus e-mail falsely claims to come from the IRS, tells the recipient that he or she is eligible for a tax refund and instructs the recipient to click on a link in the e-mail to access a refund claim form, which asks for personal data the scammers can then use.

Audit e-mail–This phony e-mail notifies the recipient that his or her...

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