New Identity Theft Text Scam Related to COVID Stimulus Payments

Ever since Congress authorized the U.S. Treasury to send Economic Impact Payments (EICs, also called stimulus payments) to millions of Americans during 2020, scammers have been seeking ways to use the program to steal EIPs and personal information. A new scam involves using text messages and a fake website to steal taxpayers’ identities.

Americans targeted in this scam receive a text message stating that they “have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required…” The message includes a link to a fake website that looks like the official IRS Get My Payment portal for EIPs. (A link to the legitimate IRS portal is included below.)

Instead of going only to the IRS through an encrypted connection, any personal data entered into the bogus website (such as Social Security and bank account numbers) goes directly to the scammers. If you receive any text message similar to the one quoted above, it is a scam – DO NOT RESPOND. The IRS does not send unsolicited text or email messages of this sort.

To help the IRS and federal law enforcement track and close down this scam, you can take a screenshot of the text message and email it to phishing@irs.gov. Include the phone number where you received the text, the number that it came from, and the date and time of the incident (including your time zone) in your email message.

In addition, federal agencies are reminding all Americans that the IRS does not and never has accepted gift cards as a form of payment for any tax-related purpose. Anyone claiming to represent the IRS who requests payment in gift cards is a scammer. Hang up immediately to stay safe and protect your personal data.

Official IRS Get My Payment Portal for EIPs: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment