Economic impact payments have started going out to citizens, but people should be wary of scams that could put them in a financial hole greater than that $1,200-plus check.
U.S. Sen. Martha …
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Economic impact payments have started going out to citizens, but people should be wary of scams that could put them in a financial hole greater than that $1,200-plus check.
U.S. Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich hosted a telephone town hall Friday to discuss coronavirus scams related to the economic impact payments and other issues.
Over 12,000 callers tuned in, according to Ms. McSally, and of those who took part in a phone poll, 37% of people said they had received their economic impact payment, compared to 63% who haven’t. So checks are still on their way to Arizonans.
“It absolutely disgusts me that there are scammers out there trying to exploit vulnerable Arizonans and using this pandemic to basically lie, cheat and steal, and take advantage of people,” Mr. Brnovich said in the telephone town hall. “I want to hear your complaints. We want people to call our office, email our office. We need you to be the eyes and ears to help us identify these consumer scams, prosecute people if necessary, take appropriate civil action, and make other people aware of what’s going on.”
The IRS says if you receive texts or emails claiming you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them.
Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a “check” in the mail now, be wary as the IRS says it will take the treasury department a few weeks to mail those out. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount — especially one with cents — or a check that requires you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a scam.
Mr. Brnovich said some of today’s frauds are variations of old ones. He said that “back in the day,” thieves needed a mask and a weapon, but now all they may need is a computer or phone to victimize people.
Since January, 4,000 coronavirus domains and websites have been registered, according to Mr. Brnovich. Along with that, the Federal Trade Commission has reported receiving over 18,000 COVID-19 related complaints that have lost consumers about $13 million.
“Some of those websites will be used to try to separate you from your hardworking dollars by having you click on inappropriate links or sending you messages about having to provide information,” Mr. Brnovich said. “Make sure you’re vigilant and suspicious of anyone who contacts you unsolicited.”
Mr. Brnovich says some scams involve people claiming to be from a charity helping first responders or setting up GoFundMe pages. He advises people should ensure the money is actually going to that charity instead of administration or the people taking the calls.
The attorney general also says residents should be wary of people coming to their house unsolicited to clean or sanitize their homes, or to shop for groceries. He said his office has received calls from Arizonans saying they’ve given money to people who don’t show up with their groceries.
Also, the U.S. Census Bureau is not going door to door at this time. Neither is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“If anyone shows up to your doorstep uninvited that says they’re from the government, it’s a scam or even worse,” Mr. Brnovich said, adding to be aware if those people ask to come into your home.
And despite 9% of responders during the town hall saying they’ve received scam correspondence, Ms. McSally says that’s still too many.
“I’ve always said, there’s a special place in hell for people who are preying on vulnerable people in a vulnerable place during a crisis,” Ms. McSally said about scammers. “But they’re still doing it.”
People can call her office at 602-552-4210 for any information or to express concerns.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Internal Revenue Service is your best go-to contact when it comes to receiving the relief check.
The IRS will never ask people for their personal information as they likely already have it.
In addition, those needing to update their personal information in order to receive a check can do so at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. There are several links there that will guide you in the right direction. Anyone else who is calling, mailing or emailing you about the economic impact payment is a scammer and should not be communicated with any further.
In a telephone town hall April 14 with U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Mr. Brnovich said residents are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement if they suspect a person knocking on their doors is trying to push a scam related to COVID-19.
Last week, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS unveiled the new Get My Payment feature. It will show the projected date when a deposit has been scheduled, similar to the “Where’s My Refund” tool many taxpayers may use.
People can also provide their bank information. Anyone who did not use direct deposit on their last tax return will be able to input information to receive the payment straight into their bank account.
An initial round of more than 80 million payments started to hit bank accounts since at least April 11, per the IRS.
“Our IRS employees have been working non-stop on the Economic Impact Payments to help taxpayers in need,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig stated. “IRS teams throughout the country proudly worked long days and weekends to quickly deliver Get My Payment ahead of schedule.”
The IRS urges taxpayers to only use Get My Payment one time each day given the large number of people receiving Economic Impact Payments.
For taxpayers to track the status of their payment, they will need to enter basic information including Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address used on their tax return.
Those needing to add their bank account information will also need to provide their Adjusted Gross Income from their most recent tax return submitted, either 2019 or 2018; the refund or amount owed from their latest filed tax return; and their bank account type, account and routing numbers.
The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website or share personal or financial information. To use the new app or get information, taxpayers should visit www.irs.gov.
Fraud Task Force
On April 8, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich and U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey announced the formation of a joint task force to combat coronavirus-related fraud.
The COVID-19 Fraud Task Force has the goal of combining resources and information to better investigate and prosecute wrongdoers seeking to profit from the public health crisis. By working together across all levels of government, the Task Force will ensure cases are investigated promptly and brought to the appropriate prosecuting entity.
Joseph Sciarrotta, Civil Division Chief for the Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Knapp — recently appointed as the U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator — are leading the Arizona COVID-19 Fraud Task Force. Other members include the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Food and Drug Administration, the IRS Investigation Division, Health and Human Services, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Services.
“In times of crisis, the best of humanity is often evident as people support one another and unite together to fight a common enemy. We see that in today’s stories about our health care workers, our first responders, and our communities sacrificing safety and comfort to protect one another,” Mr. Bailey stated. “Unfortunately crisis can also be a time when the worst parts of humanity surface. This Task Force will seek out and punish scam artists who prey on the fear and uncertainty of our citizens during this public health crisis.”
If you believe you have been a target of a coronavirus-related scam, or know someone else who has been, report the fraud to:
The National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-800-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov;
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