Phone Scammers Are Already Trying To Get Your Relief Check

It probably doesn't come as a shock to anyone to hear that there are already people trying to find creative ways to scam people out of money that really can't afford to lose. But, here we are. We'd all like to think a crisis brings out the best in everyone, but sadly, that's just not always the case.

On social media the last few days, I've seen friends posting that they're getting calls "...from the IRS..." to get bank deposit info, so that their relief check can get into their account faster. The gigantic red flag here, is that the IRS is never going to call you directly to get deposit information from you.

The stories I saw online were purely anecdotal, but it's enough of an issue that the Federal Trade Commission already has information up online warning people about potential scammers. Some folks are being led to believe they can get it sooner by giving their info as well. That's also not true. No one can get an early check.

If you do want direct deposit for your relief check, you can set that up with the IRS at irs.gov/coronavirus. But if you do nothing at all, a paper check will get you when the time comes. But for the love of God, don't give ANYONE your personal information over the phone. If someone is asking, it's always a scam.

It's terrible to think that some folks have to behave this way. It truly confounds me. So just be careful. And alongside the mantra of washing your hands, we'll have to add not  giving out your personal information to the list of do's and don'ts.