With Second Stimulus Checks Coming, Florida AG Warns Of Scams

After President Donald Trump over the weekend signed the $900 billion pandemic relief package recently passed by Congress, relief payments of at least $600 should soon be on their way to people across the country.

But Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on Monday warned that taxpayers won’t be alone in eagerly anticipating the new checks — so will scammers, who may try to trick people out of their relief aid, or exploit their eagerness to steal private information.

“Scammers are always looking for new opportunities, like the passage of another round of federal stimulus, to rip off consumers. The new round of economic relief and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 create the perfect storm for fraudsters trying to make a dishonest dollar,” Moody said in a statement.

Among the state’s recommendations to avoid being conned:

Don’t click on links in any unsolicited texts you receive. The sender may claim they’re simply trying to verify information, but the link could lead to malware that would infect your device and steal your personal information.

Don’t give your personal financial information over the phone to an unsolicited caller. And be wary of unsolicited calls or emails even if your caller ID or the email address indicates the person contacting you is a government worker. “Spoofing” allows scammers to disguise themselves.

Don’t trust anyone who claims you need to buy something in order to access your stimulus money. Also watch out for people who offer to get you your check more quickly — in exchange for an up-front fee.

More information about potential coronavirus or stimulus scams is available at MyFloridaLegal.com/ScamsAtAGlance.

People who encounter a suspected stimulus scam can report it at 1-866-966-7226.

If you want to check the status of your relief payment, you can do so at IRS.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-829-1040.

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