The Better Business Bureau says Americans should be on the alert for the next round of stimulus check scams.
Watch out for email or text messages instructing to click a link to “request benefit payments.” The link connects to a phony application which is really a way to phish for personal details and commit identity theft.
In a phone variation of the con, the scammer pretends to call from a government agency. The con artist insists on being paid immediately – or confirmation of personal information – before a stimulus check is sent.
The Better Business Bureau says if you receive such a call, email or text stay calm and do not act immediately. Do not answer any questions or respond in any way. If you think the message may be real, find the government agencies’ contact information on the internet and contact them directly.
If you are still not sure, enlist the help of a trusted relative or friend. Bottom line, never give out your personal or banking information to someone you do not know.