Illinoisans Are Getting Scam Texts About IRS Stimulus Checks
It's not like tax season doesn't already suck, because it does. Especially this year, when we're hearing every single day about how our tax money has been stolen, abused, and misused for years.
Having to pay out our hard-earned money each year to a government that seems delighted to waste it should be enough pain every year for taxpayers in Illinois and throughout the country, but thanks to the efforts of scam artists out there, tax season could be much, much worse if you fall for their current scam.
Remember stimulus checks? They're back again, and that's what the scammers are using to trick people out of their personal information and money.
This Scam Is Working On People Because There's Just Enough Truth In It To Convince People That It's For Real
The phishing scam starts when you get a text message telling you that you are due a $1,400 stimulus payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You're then told that to receive a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment, you should provide them with your personal information to have the money directly deposited into your bank account or mailed by check within 1 to 2 business days.
Here's the thing. Back in December, the IRS actually did say that they'd be sending out $2.4 million to one million people who didn't get all of their federal stimulus checks that went out during the pandemic.
The payments, which max out at $1,400 per person, are automatically sent, and anyone who's receiving them got a letter from the IRS telling them it was coming. Also, the payments were to be completed by the end of last month.
Here's How The Scam Works
You, the target of the scam, will receive a text message that will appear as though it's a legitimate communication from the IRS. The text will inform you that you've qualified and are eligible to receive a $1,400 stimulus payment from the IRS.
Next, the text will ask for your personal information like your bank account routing number, your home address, and your Social Security number. They'll tell you that they need that info so they can directly deposit the money into your account or mail you a check within a couple of business days, whichever works out best for you.
The phishing scam contains a fake link that mimics an official IRS website. Clicking on it could lead to malware or a fraudulent form asking for personal or financial information. Be aware that the IRS would never request information in this way — it does not contact taxpayers by text, email or social media.
Here's another good explanation: