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Step 1
Be aware of IRS stimulus check scams that offer to help you receive a piece of the money allocated for the economic stimulus package. Websites, unsolicited emails and ads placed on the Internet and social networking sites claim that you can receive an IRS stimulus check in exchange for a small processing fee or simply by filling out a form with your bank account information for a direct deposit.
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Step 2
Avoid divulging information such as a bank account or social security numbers to anyone who calls you home claiming to be a representative of the IRS. Scammers call taxpayers and indicate they’re eligible for a hefty stimulus check or tax rebate for filing income taxes early. The person running the IRS stimulus check scams will then request bank account details to facilitate a direct deposit, indicating that failure to provide the information will nullify the rebate. The IRS stresses that taxpayers are never required using direct deposit and that the department doesn’t solicit information over the phone.
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Step 3
Ignore email messages stating that you’re eligible for a tax rebate or IRS stimulus check and that you just need to fill out a claim form online. The IRS stimulus check scams will harvest your bank account information or credit card numbers. The IRS states that there isn’t a separate form required to receive a tax rebate after taxes are filed and that it doesn’t send unsolicited messages about tax rebates or stimulus checks.
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Step 4
Avoid IRS stimulus check scams and tax rebate scams that use the threat of an IRS audit to get your financial information. It’s reported that these unsolicited email messages will be addressed directly to you and indicate that you’re tax return is going to be audited. The scam then adds a link to forms that the taxpayer is “required” to fill out to begin the audit process.
