Algonquin Police: Stimulus Checks Are Coming, So Are Scams

ALGONQUIN, IL—As economic stimulus checks begin hitting the bank accounts of millions of Americans, the Algonquin Police Department is warning its residents to be cautious of scams that may arise out of the coronavirus pandemic.

" The IRS or any legitimate business will NEVER ask for gift cards as a form of payment," the police department recently posted on its officials Facebook page.

The Internal Revenue Service is also advising taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of calls and email phishing attempts about the coronavirus. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft, officials said.

"History has shown that criminals take every opportunity to perpetrate a fraud on unsuspecting victims, especially when a group of people is vulnerable or in a state of need," IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Don Fort said in a news release. "While you are waiting to hear about your economic impact payment, criminals are working hard to trick you into getting their hands on it. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division is working hard to find these scammers and shut them down, but in the meantime, we ask people to remain vigilant."

Safety tips from the Algonquin Police Department

• Beware of fraudulent calls claiming to be from the U.S. Treasury Department offering advance stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information or gift cards.
• Don't click on any links sent via text.
• Don't share any personal information over the phone
• Watch for suspicious emails claiming to be from the CDC or other government agency
• Don't click on links from sources you don't know
• Don't respond to emails about checks from the government; anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer
• Do not give out your social security number, bank number, or Paypal account if someone claims to need it.

How will you receive your check?

• No action will be required for the vast majority of Americans
• Stimulus checks will be delivered based on prior tax return information
• You do not need to "sign up" for this check

Reporting coronavirus-related or other phishing attempts

Those who receive unsolicited emails, text messages or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

According to the IRS, taxpayers are also encouraged to not engage potential scammers online or on the phone. Learn more about reporting suspected scams by going to the Report Phishing and Online Scams page on IRS.gov.