Concerning the growing threat of impersonation scams that target senior citizens in particular, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released a warning. One of these scams involves posing as a government employee to steal your money and private data. To intimidate and mislead victims, Scammers pose as IRS employees.
Now the officials of Internal Revenue Service, have stated that scammers frequently pose as employee of the IRS or other law enforcement agencies when calling, emailing, or texting seniors. So to safeguard seniors from Stimulus Payment Scams, i am sharing How scammers can scam you on rebate and government payment.
Stimulus Payment Scams
looking at the ongoing Stimulus Payment Scams 2024 Payment, the government’s delivery of stimulus relief checks has given scammers a new opportunity to do frauds. With various government payment and rebates having passed, reports of stimulus payment frauds are on the rise. People could be more vulnerable to fraud than normal since some people are still attempting to get their stimulus money back from the IRS and because of the on going economic recession.
Due to fraud involving stimulus payments and COVID-19, Americans have lost more than millions since January 2020. One of three methods will be used to distribute stimulus cash to those who qualify: direct deposit into your account, prepaid payment cards, or physical checks dispatched to the address you have shared with the IRS.
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How scammers can scam you on rebate and government payment
Mailbox Theft
Taking your check right out of your mailbox is one of the simplest methods for a scam to theft you, as simple as it may seem. It is simple to recognize the payment as coming from the US Department of Treasury. Scammers steal it, sign it, and locate a buyer. You can prepare for when your check arrives once you know when it will arrive.
To be even more ready to receive incoming mail before a criminal does, you may also create an informed access account with the USPS and examine a digital preview of the mail that is to arrive. Put your mail on hold and pick it up at your local post office if you have valid concerns that someone may steal it.
Identity Theft
Even if you are not aware of it, someone might have stolen your identity and used the personal information they have on you to steal your check. Furthermore, your money might be transferred to someone else’s bank account if they know your birthday and social security number.
Online Scams
Scammers are aware of the fact that many individuals who aren’t very tech-savvy went online to remain in touch with friends and relatives throughout the epidemic. Phishing emails or texts are two of the most popular methods to do online scams. To find victims, a criminal will send out a large number of SMS or emails. They may pose as representatives of the IRS or another government organization and request verification of personal data. Never distribute it. Never click on links seen in social media postings or emails. Your social security number won’t be requested by the IRS official by email or text message.
Phone Calls
Scammers may use your landline or smartphone as another tactic to scam you. They behave like genuine person. You never know, they could even have personal information about you that you wouldn’t think the IRS would. You could be shocked, though, at how scammers can be, and at how much you might have revealed irresponsibly on social media. Be wary of anyone you don’t know who wants to discuss your stimulus check, especially in these times when scammers are more active than ever.
How You Can Avoid It:
- Help people avoid becoming victims of these scams by telling them to end the call IRS right away if they receive an unexpected call from someone posing as the IRS without getting any postal notice beforehand.
- Contacts should never be made using the number that was given to you or seen on your caller ID. Taxpayers can also use IRS.gov to check the details of their tax accounts online.
- Remember that the IRS will only contact you by ordinary US Postal Service if they need to get in touch with you. Remain alert and wary of scammers and phishers. You may report a suspected fraudster at ftc.gov/complaint if you believe they are attempting to steal your check. Go to the IRS’s page on economic impact payments for official updates and other details.
Don’t answer unknown calls, texts, or emails
Phone number spoofing is a technique used by fraudsters to pretend to be from the IRS, Treasury Department, or other governmental authorities. When you get a call from an organization you believe to be authentic, make sure to start a different line of contact, such as by requesting a return phone number. A scammer is likely to demand quick action and be reluctant to provide a phone number or other way to get in touch.
Don’t share your private data
A prevalent scam involving stimulus checks is when someone receives an email, text message, or social media post requesting them to click on a link in order to “apply” for their stimulus payment.
Therefore, the scammers will request private data, including your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information via a link. It’s possible that the link contains malware designed to damage your device, and the program will allow the scammer to get your personal information.
Niamh Prescott has a degree in Mass Communication and an MBA in Finance. She has worked for two media houses and is now running her own media company.
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