Scam alert: How to avoid criminals coming after your stimulus checks

Keep your eyes open, though.

Alyssa Parker, director of communications for the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina, said scammers typically flock to big events such as the stimulus release.

“Unfortunately, (when) the first round of stimulus checks happened, scammers really jumped on it,” Parker said. “Now, with the second round coming through, it’s just something we urge consumers beware of.”

Calculate: How much will I get from the second stimulus package?

So, how do you avoid the financial predators that will inevitably try to take advantage of the situation? Parker offered some advice.

“The government is not going to ask you to give them anything upfront – that’s No. 1,” she explained. “The second thing is they will not reach out to you via text message, email, call or contact you on social media.

“When the first stimulus check came around, the most common scam we had was consumers receiving text messages saying they didn’t have up-to-date information. They’re never going to contact you in that way.”

Another warning sign is if anyone tells you they can expedite the arrival of your check. The Federal Trade Commission is warning people of scams associated with receiving your payment earlier than expected.

FTC data shows more than 6,500 scams related to pandemic-related stimulus checks in North Carolina alone.

“There’s no way that you can get your stimulus check any faster than anybody else,” Parker said. “So, if someone says, ‘Hey, I can get it to you tomorrow, the next day, the day after that,’ that’s a huge red flag, and we just really urge consumers to be cautious if anyone says they can do that for you.”

Parker said scammers will use any angle they can find, including trying to take advantage of a vulnerable moment.

“One of the ways scammers are most successful is really playing on people’s emotions,” she said. “This year has been especially hard for a number of people, and so the thought of getting some relief for money or something they’re really looking forward to [is eagerly awaited], and scammers know that.”

Financial relief could quickly turn into financial disaster if scammers get their way, so stay vigilant and stay safe.