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January 16, 2021 - Over the past few weeks, Americans have been receiving a new round of stimulus payments from the federal government. Most Americans have received $600 payments which were deposited directly into their bank accounts. And that has brought scam artists out in droves.
Using combinations of cold calling, phishing and unsolicited text messages, scam artists are pitching a wide variety of products and services to millions of people. These often revolve around COVID19 and include the sale of miracle cures, unapproved at home tests and various other treatments. Going hand in hand with this approach are investment scams asking people to invest in companies that are developing treatments and products related to COVID.
The IRS is also warning that some scams involve direct contact from them requesting personal information. For the record, the IRS will never contact you and ask you to provide your SSN - which they already have - or make payments over the phone. Anyone receiving such a call or other communication is advised to cut off contact immediately. Just hang up or delete any messages you have received.
This trend is likely to continue for some time. The incoming Biden administration has made it clear that they want move forward with another round of stimulus payments in the near future. That means that he scam artists aren't going anywhere soon.
by Jim Malmberg
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Fraud and Scams 
