Please be aware that scams already are underway to defraud individuals slated to receive payments resulting from the passage of the CARES Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Because the intention is, as much as possible, to issue payments via direct deposit and use tax information from 2019 or 2018, phishing is happening via phone calls, text messages, and e-mails – not only to individual citizens but also through a large uptick in preparers being targeted.
Please know that the IRS will not call, text, or email you to verify banking information for stimulus payments. For more information please visit the IRS’ Coronavirus Resource Page. Please be cautious!