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United States Attorney’s Office, IRS warn of possible economic impact payment scams

Ohioans should be alert for possible scams related to upcoming economic impact payments related to COVID-19

CLEVELAND — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced this week that economic impact payments related to COVID-19 will begin in arriving in the coming weeks. Most Americans will be receiving their payment through direct deposit into their bank account provided on their tax return.

Today, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Cincinnati Field Office, Bryant Jackson, warned Ohioans to be aware of possible scams related to the upcoming economic impact payments.

“Everyone should expect that scammers will try to take advantage of this crisis and the upcoming economic impact payments,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “They will try to find a way to get recipients to divulge personal information such as a Social Security number or bank account information,” he continued.

For those who traditionally receive their tax refunds via paper check, the economic impact payment will be received similarly.

United States Attorney Herdman and Special Agent in Charge Jackson offered the following tips and information on how to spot a scam.

· The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).

· The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.

· If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.

· If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails.

· Be on the look-out for bogus checks. If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s a fraud - it will take the Treasury a few weeks to mail those out. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.

· Scammers will often attempt to trick you into signing over your stimulus check or pressure you into “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money. They will then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns.

Report fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email tips to the United States Attorney’s Office at USAOHN.COVID19@usdoj.gov

Click here for our special coronavirus section.

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