Consumer Law

Stimulus Check Scams

By M. Stan Herring

The Federal Trade Commission has posted an article that warns consumers about scams associated with getting stimulus payments. Scammers can use very official looking forms that strongly resemble those used by the IRS, to trick people into submitting their personal information in return for the promise of a stimulus check. Scammers can also contact you by email or telephone.

The FTC advises consumers not to give their personal information to anyone who randomly contacts them about a stimulus payment. The IRS doesn't contact people in that manner. While the idea of receiving a check is certainly enticing, be aware that it might just be an identity theft scheme.

When a stimulus plan does involve a check to you (it may not), you won?t need to fill out a separate form in an email or give out personal information ? like account numbers or your Social Security number ? to someone who calls you out of the blue.

If you have had problems with identity theft because of fraudulent agencies, feel free to contact us.

Full post as published by Alabama Consumer Blog on April 30, 2009 (boomark / email).