Stimulus programs, such as direct relief payments and government assistance during times of economic crisis, have been invaluable resources for millions of people. However, the rollout of such programs also presents an opportunity for scammers to exploit the vulnerable. Fraudsters often take advantage of the confusion, urgency, and lack of awareness surrounding stimulus funds to deceive individuals and steal money or personal information.

To ensure that you can take full advantage of legitimate relief measures without falling victim to scams, it’s important to be aware of common fraud tactics and how to protect yourself.

In this article, we will discuss common types of stimulus fraud and scams and offer essential advice on how to safeguard yourself against them.

1. Common Stimulus Fraud Tactics

Fraudsters use a variety of tactics to trick people into providing personal information, sending money, or taking actions that result in identity theft. Understanding these scams is the first step toward protecting yourself.

a. Fake Stimulus Checks or Direct Deposit Notices One of the most common scams involves fraudulent emails, phone calls, or even text messages claiming to be from the government, stating that a stimulus check is available but requiring action to claim it. These scams often ask for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card numbers.

b. Phishing Emails and Text Messages Phishing is a technique where scammers send fake emails or text messages that appear to be from official government sources. These messages typically contain links that direct recipients to fraudulent websites designed to collect personal information, like bank account numbers or social security numbers.

c. Fraudulent Calls from “Government Representatives” Scammers may call, pretending to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration (SSA), or another government entity. They might claim that you need to pay a fee to receive your stimulus check or that your payment has been delayed and you must verify your personal details to speed up the process.

d. “Pay to Play” Scams Some scammers ask individuals to pay an upfront fee to process their stimulus check or “guarantee” its arrival. In reality, no payment is necessary to receive a legitimate stimulus check or unemployment benefit.

e. Fake Websites and Social Media Pages Fraudulent websites or social media pages may look official, providing misleading information about stimulus eligibility, applying for relief funds, or “guaranteeing” expedited payment. These sites may ask for sensitive personal information or prompt users to download harmful software onto their devices.

2. How to Protect Yourself from Stimulus Scams

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of stimulus-related fraud. The key is to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited communication regarding stimulus payments.

a. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages Government agencies will never send unsolicited emails, text messages, or calls asking you to confirm personal information in order to receive a stimulus check or relief benefits. If you receive such messages, do not respond, click on links, or open attachments.

b. Verify Information through Official Channels Always verify stimulus-related information by visiting trusted government websites such as:

  • IRS Website: www.irs.gov

  • Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov

  • State Unemployment Websites: Each state has its own unemployment benefits portal, where you can check the status of your claims.

Avoid responding to third-party websites or emails, as they may be fraudulent.

c. Never Pay for Stimulus Funds You do not need to pay any fees to receive a stimulus check or any form of government relief. Be cautious if anyone asks you to provide payment for a check or an expedited process. This is a red flag for fraud.

d. Watch for Signs of Phishing Phishing emails or texts often have telltale signs, such as:

  • Poor grammar and spelling.

  • Urgency or threats of missing out on your payment.

  • Suspicious-looking links or email addresses.

  • Requests for personal or financial information (e.g., bank account numbers, Social Security numbers).

Before clicking on any link, hover your cursor over it to preview the URL. If it seems odd or unfamiliar, do not click.

e. Protect Your Devices Make sure your computer, phone, and other devices are protected with up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall. Avoid downloading suspicious files, and ensure your web browser has security features enabled to detect phishing sites and other online threats.

f. Report Suspicious Activity If you receive a fraudulent solicitation or if you believe you’ve been scammed, report the incident to the appropriate authorities. The U.S. government has set up dedicated resources to handle such issues:

  • IRS: Report phishing to the IRS at IRS Phishing Reporting.

  • FTC: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

  • State Attorney General: Contact your state’s attorney general’s office for local scam alerts.

3. Protecting Your Financial Information

In addition to the common scams mentioned above, it’s also essential to protect your bank account and other financial details to avoid falling victim to identity theft.

a. Use Secure Payment Methods Be cautious about sharing your bank account information over the phone or online. When receiving a direct deposit or bank transfer for your stimulus payment, ensure the payment is legitimate by checking the details with your bank or financial institution.

b. Enable Two-Factor Authentication Many online accounts, including those for financial institutions, offer two-factor authentication (2FA). Enable 2FA wherever possible to add an extra layer of protection in case your login credentials are compromised.

c. Regularly Monitor Your Bank Account Keep an eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any signs of unusual activity or unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately and report the incident.

d. Use Strong, Unique Passwords Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple sites and consider using a password manager to store and generate secure passwords.

4. How Government Agencies Help Fight Stimulus Fraud

Several agencies are working hard to combat fraud related to stimulus payments and other relief measures. These agencies track suspicious activity and investigate potential fraudulent claims to ensure that the funds reach legitimate recipients.

Key Resources:

  • IRS: The IRS plays a central role in distributing stimulus checks and relief payments. They also offer resources on how to spot and report scams related to economic relief.

  • FTC: The Federal Trade Commission investigates fraud and consumer protection issues, including scams targeting relief funds.

  • U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The DOL monitors unemployment insurance fraud and provides guidance to states on how to prevent fraudulent claims.

Conclusion

Stimulus fraud and scams can be costly, both financially and emotionally. Protecting yourself from these risks requires vigilance, skepticism, and a proactive approach to verifying the legitimacy of any communication related to relief funds. By following the advice outlined in this article, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to fraud and ensure that you receive the support you are entitled to during times of crisis.

For more tips on how to protect your personal information and navigate government relief programs safely, be sure to visit trusted official resources, and stay informed about the latest scams affecting your area.