A scam designed to trIck people into disclosing bank account information in order to receive the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment has surfaced. The Internal Revenue Services and its partners in the Security Summit said criminals are utilizing a text message to convince taxpayers they need to disclose bank or identity information.“You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment …” is the typical message. The text includes a link to phishing web address which purports to come from a state agency or relief organization, takes the visitor to a website that impersonates the IRS.gov Get My Payment website.
Anyone entering personal and financial account information will have their information harvested.
Those receiving such a message should take a screenshot of the text and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ They should note the date, time and timezone for receiving it; the telephone number that appeared on their Caller ID and the number that received the text message