WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service recently issued a warning that scammers are sending text messages that falsely claim to provide access to a $1,200 COVID-19 stimulus check in order to trick the recipient into giving out sensitive personal information. "Criminals are relentlessly using COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments as cover to try to trick taxpayers out of their money or identities," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "This scam is a new twist on those we've been seeing much of this year.
We urge people to remain alert to these types of scams."According to the IRS, a victim may receive a text message stating: “You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND.