Idaho, Washington AGs warn residents of scams related to stimulus checks

scam-alert

The Idaho and Washington attorneys general warn residents about scams related to stimulus payments from the federal government to help people get through the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific details of when and how the federal government will provide the stimulus payment are not yet available, but generally, the government will use the tax information they have on file from the past two years to either provide the funds via direct deposit or mail people checks. Officials in Idaho and Washington say the federal government will not ask to confirm personal or banking details by email, phone or text message, or demand a “processing fee” to obtain or expedite a stimulus payment. People are advised not to click on links in email or text messages relating to the stimulus checks, and not provide any personal information. It will likely take the Treasury Department several weeks to begin mailing checks. Any checks arriving now, especially those requiring verification, are scams. If someone is contacted by a scammer, they are advised not to engage – even to tell them you know it is a scam. Email addresses and phone numbers that are confirmed to be active are more valuable when selling to other scammers. Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.  (Idaho, Washington Attorneys General Offices)