For most Americans, the Economic Impact Payment will be distributed automatically and will result in a direct deposit into the bank account designated by their 2018 or 2019 federal tax return.

The IRS will not contact you to ask you to pay a fee or confirm personal information prior to receiving the Economic Impact Payment. If you receive a phone call, text, or email asking for payment or confirmation of personal or financial information, it is a scam. Do not give out your bank account, debit account or PayPal account information, even if the caller claims it is necessary to get your check or that by doing so you can receive your payment faster. Additionally, don’t click on links in texts or emails relating to Economic Impact Payments, as this could allow scammers to place tracing devices on your electronic devices and gain access to your personal information for later use. Don’t engage with scammers or thieves, simply hang up or delete texts/emails.

It will take a few weeks before the Treasury sends the Economic Impact Payments. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount, for instance, $1,322.48, or a check that requires you to verify the check online or by calling a number, it is a fraud.

Some other examples of COVID-19 related fraud schemes include:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and
  Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Corona virus-related information to gain and lock access
  to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.

We encourage you to please be vigilant in educating yourself in these various fraud schemes and continue to be safe during this time of uncertainty.