IR-2020-64, April 2, 2020, IRS issues warning about Coronavirus-related scams

The IRS has issued a number of warning about calls and email phishing attempts related to COVID-19 and the Economic Impact Payments. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.

Taxpayers should watch not only for emails but text messages, websites and social media attempts that request money or personal information.

It is important to keep in mind that:

• The IRS reminds retirees that no one from the agency will be reaching out to them by phone, email, mail or in person asking for any kind of information to complete their economic impact payment.

• In most cases, the IRS will deposit economic impact payments into the direct deposit account taxpayers previously provided on tax returns

• If the IRS does not have a taxpayer's direct deposit information, a check will be mailed to the address on file. 

The IRS reminds taxpayers that scammers may:

• Emphasize the words "Stimulus Check" or "Stimulus Payment."

• Ask the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check.

• Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information

• Suggest that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer's behalf.

• Mail the taxpayer a bogus check then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.