As Americans anticipate a second stimulus check, institutions have time to prepare for the inevitable. With this comes an influx of potential fraud scams targeting consumers and institutions.
The top eight warning signs to share with customers are:
1. If you’re told by text there’s a second check;
2. Asked to verify or provide financial information by phone, email, or text to speed up the delivery of your payment;
3. The person you’re talking to via text or email uses language other than “economic impact payment;”
4. You’re a retiree who doesn’t normally file a tax return and someone offers to submit information for you or claims you must verify the information before getting your check;
5. You get a bogus check in the mail;
6. Someone says they can get you your payment faster;
7. Email attachments promising special information about payments or refunds; and
8. You’re told you have to pay to get your check.
Being aware of these warning signs will help prevent you from becoming a victim of stimulus check fraud.
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