Beware of stimulus check scam

A new round of stimulus checks are on their way. Direct deposit payments are hitting Americans’ bank accounts and checks will be mailed out in the coming weeks. Previously, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker received numerous reports from people who were contacted by scammers through text messages, emails, and phone calls about their COVID-19 stimulus checks. BBB believes many of these same tactics may be used again.

Watch out for email or text messages instructing you to click a link to “request benefit payments.” The link connects to an application prompting the entering of personal information in order to “make sure you are getting all the payments owed to you.” This “application” is really a way to phish for personal details and commit identity theft.

In a phone variation of the con, the scammer pretends to call from a government agency. The con artist insists on being paid immediately — or confirmation of personal information — before a stimulus check is sent. Other times, scammers claim additional funds are available or that the consumer can receive funds immediately once a small “processing fee” is paid with a prepaid debit card. These are all red flags.

Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is. Scammers try to get people to act before thinking about the situation.

Don’t respond to unknown calls, texts, or emails. If you think the message may be real, find the government agencies’ contact information on the internet and contact them directly.

Do not pay any money for a “free” government grant or program. It is not really free if there is a fee involved. A real government agency will not ask for an advanced processing fee. Instead, find out if the agency is legitimate by checking grants.gov.