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    • May 14, 2020
    • 2 min read

Taxpayers need to be on the lookout for scams related to COVID-19

Taxpayers should be on the lookout for IRS impersonation calls, texts, and email phishing attempts about the COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments (also known as 2020 Stimulus Checks). These scams can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.

What Taxpayers Should Know:

  • The IRS will not call, email or text you to verify or request your financial, banking or personal information.

  • Watch out for attempts via websites and social media to request money or personal information. The official IRS website is IRS.gov.

  • Do not open unexpected or surprise emails that appear to be coming from the IRS, and do not click on any email attachments or links.

  • Taxpayers should not provide personal or financial information online or over the phone, and should not engage with potential scammers in any manner.

  • Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov, then delete the email.

  • Visit IRS.gov for the most up-to-date information.


General Information about the Economic Impact Payments:

  • The IRS will automatically deposit Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks) into taxpayers' bank account using the bank account information provided on their 2019 or 2018 tax return if they choose to receive their tax refund by direct deposit.

  • Those without a direct deposit account on file may be able to provide their banking information online through the IRS's Get My Payment tool.

  • Anyone who is eligible for an Economic Impact Payment and does not provide direct deposit information will receive a payment mailed to the last address the IRS has on file.

  • The IRS does not charge a fee to issue the payment.


Scammers may:

  • Ask an individual to sign over their Economic Impact Payment check to them.

  • Ask for verification of personal or banking information.

  • Suggest that they can get someone tax refund or Economic Impact Payment faster by working on their behalf.

  • Issue a bogus check, often in an odd amount, then tell a person to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.

Official IRS information about the COVID-19 pandemic and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the IRS's Coronavirus Tax Relief page. The IRS encourages people to share this information with family and friends. Many people who normally do not normally file a tax return may not realize they are eligible for an Economic Impact Payment.


For more information, see the following resources:


Want to learn more about your tax rights and responsibilities? Visit www.MyTaxRights.org. for other beneficial resources and information.

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