The Federal government is sending out warnings regarding stimulus scams. Here’s how they work: an email, online ad or website tells you you’re eligible to get economic stimulus money. Then they require you to submit a form in order to get it. They may ask for a small processing fee in order to get your money to you faster. Others may ask for personal information like bank account information so they can directly deposit your check. They will then take that information to wipe out your account or open fraudulent accounts.
Some emails may ask you to click on a link. Once you click on that link spyware is downloaded onto your computer without your knowledge and your personal information is easily retrievable. Each of these stimulus scams is just that– a scam and should be avoided.
Here’s what you should do if you get a message promising stimulus money in exchange for personal information or data:
* Ignore it
* Delete it
* Throw it Away
* Forward the Suspicious Emails to phishing@irs.gov, then delete it without clicking on links or opening attachments.
* If you feel you’ve been targeted, file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
* Reach the IRS by typing the web address directly into your browser. Don’t use links or phone numbers in emails.
May 4th, 2009 at 4:10 am
[...] presents Stimulus Plan Leads to Stimulus Scams posted at Out of Debt [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 8:02 am
[...] kathryn presents Stimulus Plan Leads to Stimulus Scams posted at Out of Debt Christian, saying, “The Federal government is sending out warnings regarding stimulus scams. Here’s how they work: an email, online ad or website tells you you’re eligible to get economic stimulus money. Then they require you to submit a form in order to get it. They may ask for a small processing fee in order to get your money to you faster. Others may ask for personal information like bank account information so they can directly deposit your check. They will then take that information to wipe out your account or open fraudulent accounts.” [...]
May 11th, 2009 at 7:23 am
[...] presents Stimulus Plan Leads to Stimulus Scams posted at Out of Debt – Christian Finances and Debt [...]
May 11th, 2009 at 8:53 am
[...] presents Stimulus Plan Leads to Stimulus Scams posted at Out of Debt Christian, saying, “The Federal government is sending out warnings [...]
May 17th, 2009 at 12:06 am
[...] presents Stimulus Plan Leads to Stimulus Scams posted at Out of Debt Christian, saying, “The Federal government is sending out warnings [...]
May 17th, 2009 at 7:17 am
[...] presents Stimulus Plan Leads to Stimulus Scams posted at Out of Debt [...]
June 10th, 2009 at 5:10 am
[...] presents Stimulus Plan Leads to Stimulus Scams posted at Out of Debt Christian, saying, “The Federal government is sending out warnings [...]
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 am
[...] presents Stimulus Plan Leads to Stimulus Scams posted at Out of Debt – Christian Finances and Debt Help. I Love Social [...]