Virginia Task Force Warns Of Scams Related To Stimulus Checks

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As residents receive stimulus checks through the $2 trillion federal economic relief package, the Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force urges residents to be vigilant about scammers attempting to steal stimulus checks and personal information.

The Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation has seen scammers targeting vulnerable taxpayers who do not know how they will receive the stimulus payments. Residents are encouraged to tell their family, friends and elderly neighbors to look out for potential scams.

"We have reports of criminals attempting to use various phishing techniques, including text messages, emails, and letters delivered through the mail, all attempting to steal your personal information or swindle you out of your economic impact payment," said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and co-leader of the task force. "Please be vigilant. Simply put: Hang up on robocalls, do not provide your personal identifying information to anyone, and always confirm you are accessing legitimate links from IRS.gov."

The IRS says it will not call residents to verify payment details. There are two ways the IRS is sending payments: through direct deposit or by mail. Taxpayers receive direct deposit if this information was provided on a tax return; the alternative is a paper check sent by mail. The first direct deposits have started to arrive. For those not receiving direct deposit, paper checks will likely start going out in late April or early May, according to USA Today.

Phishing scams through email, letters, texts and links may use keywords such as "Corona Virus," "COVID-19," and "Stimulus." The IRS advises residents to delete and not click on emails or texts claiming to provide the stimulus payment faster by sending personal identifying information. An individual's bank account, debit account or PayPal account information should not be shared with anyone claiming it's necessary to get a stimulus check.

"You should assume that any unsolicited calls or emails from individuals or entities who claim to be associated with the IRS are fraudulent," said Thomas T. Cullen, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia and another task force co-leader.

The IRS has a "Get My Payment" tool to check on payment status. Residents who don't usually file a tax return can also register for stimulus payments through that link. Non-filers who register will be directed to IRS partner site Free File Fillable Forms to enter their information. The IRS says the link is secure when accessed via IRS.gov.

The Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force is a partnership between the Western and Eastern Districts of Virginia, the FBI, and the Virginia State Police. The task force aims to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud targeting Virginia residents in relation to the new coronavirus pandemic.

Suspected fraud or scams related to the new coronavirus crisis can be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline by calling 866-720-5721 or emailing disaster@leo.gov.

SEE ALSO:

• VA, DC Residents: Check Your Stimulus Payment Status
• VA, DC Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Checks: What You Need To Do
• VA, DC Coronavirus-Related Unemployment Claims Drop Slightly