IRS Warns of a new wave of scams

The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division is warning taxpayers about a new wave of COVID-19-related scams as the agency delivers the second round of Economic Impact Payments. Some common COVID-19 scams include text messages asking a taxpayer to disclose their bank account information in order to get their economic impact payment.
Emails, letters, and social media messages trying to get you to disclose account numbers and passwords are not legit. Another scam involves fake at home covid19 test kits, and fake cures and vaccines. Fake investment schemes are another tactic, as well as fake donation requests that say the money is for someone who is affected by COVID-19. Everyone is reminded the IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails, and they don’t call people with threats of jail or lawsuits. It’s important to remember that no legitimate agency, business, or organization will ask you to pay with a gift card. COVID-19 scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submitted through the NCDF Web Complaint Form.