Individuals are receiving text messages claiming they qualify for a stimulus check; however, the Better Business Bureau warns that this is a scam.
According to the BBB, the $1,400 payment is legitimate, but the IRS has clarified that these payments will be issued automatically to those who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax filings. Approximately one million taxpayers are expected to receive these payments by the end of January, as per IRS announcements.
The fraudulent text message, however, instructs recipients to provide personal information in order to have their payment deposited or to receive a check within one or two business days.
As reported by the BBB, this message is a phishing scam designed to impersonate the IRS. The IRS does not communicate via text, email, or social media, and would never request sensitive information in such a manner.
What steps can you take to avoid becoming a victim of this and similar phishing scams?
The BBB recommends:
- Verify communications. The IRS only sends notifications via mail.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, visit the IRS website directly.
- Exercise caution regarding urgent requests. Take your time to validate the message through independent research.
- Report any scams to both the IRS and the BBB.
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