Sadly, even before the coronavirus stimulus package passed, scammers began sending text messages to people claiming they could make a claim by clicking a link that most likely contained malware.
Be skeptical of any unsolicited messages from strangers asking you to click links or provide personal information to receive benefits, and educate yourself about the economic rescue package now, to avoid falling victim to these and other new fraud tactics.
Qualified tax filers who have already provided banking information to the Internal Revenue Service will receive a direct deposit in the coming weeks, and DO NOT NEED to take action. The IRS will mail notices to beneficiaries within a few weeks after payments are made. Anyone who receives a notice, but did not receive a payment, should contact the IRS immediately.
The IRS will not initiate contact with beneficiaries by email, text messages or social media to request personal or financial information. The IRS emphasizes on its website that no sign-up is needed to receive payment.
For more tips on avoiding stimulus payment scams, click here.
Anyone who encounters one of these scams or any other type of COVID-19 fraud, should contact my office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or MyFloridaLegal.com.
Please stay safe, listen to health experts and take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Stay safe, Florida.
