SCAM WARNING: Fraudsters using new tactics to steal personal data during COVID-19 pandemic. @parevenue @PABankingDept

Take steps to protect yourself from phishing scams that are targeting people who are expecting a stimulus payment from the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic. @parevenue @PABankingDept

This unprecedented situation has created new opportunities for criminals to target Pennsylvanians, including those who are vulnerable or struggling, said @parevenue Secretary Dan Hassell.

People should not provide their direct deposit or other banking information to anyone who contacts them on the phone, through email or text messages, or on social media, Hassell said. @parevenue

The stimulus payments are being distributed by the federal govt as part of the legislation signed into law in response to COVID-19. In most cases, the IRS said payments will be directly deposited into the bank accounts that taxpayers previously listed on federal tax returns.

IRS has reported a surge of scammers conducting phishing schemes where they pose as govt officials to trick people into giving their banking info. Doing so allows a criminal to steal your identity, file a fraudulent tax return in your name or use your data for illicit purposes.

If you've received an unsolicited email or call asking for personal or financial info, best response is to delete it or hang up, says acting @PABankingDept secretary Richard Vague. Consumers must be vigilant about protecting their finances, esp if being pressured to act quickly.

Recognizing the Scam
According to IRS, some messages associated with these scams say, “In order to receive your stimulus check via direct deposit, you will need to confirm your banking information.” These messages are targeting citizens & tax professionals.

Remember the warning signs. Scammers may:
• Emphasize “Stimulus Check” or “Stimulus Payment.” Official term is economic impact payment.
• Ask you to sign over the economic impact payment check to them.
@PABankingDept @parevenue

Scammers may:
• Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment.
@PABankingDept @parevenue

Scammers may:
• Suggest that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer’s behalf. This scam could be conducted by social media or even in person.
@PABankingDept @parevenue

Scammers may:
• Mail the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.
@parevenue @PABankingDept

Tips to Avoid Scams
• Look for imposters: Many times, criminals pose as a govt entity or a business. If you are targeted by a scam artist through the mail, phone or email, do not provide personal info or money until you are sure you are speaking to a legitimate representative.

• Approach weird attachments & links w/ caution: Links to sites or attachments to an email could be infected w/ malware that download malicious software. Spyware can track the recipient’s keystrokes to obtain passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or other info.

• Do research online: Using info included in a potentially fraudulent notice or communication, such as email address domain name, company name, address or telephone number, do a search online to see if a scam has been reported by other people or govt agencies.

Tips to Remember About Stimulus Payments
The U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS announced the stimulus payments will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. @IRSnews @PABankingDept @parevenue

The IRS said it would post additional info at http://IRS.gov/coronavirus  as it becomes available. @IRSnews

Steps to Follow if You Are a Victim of a Scam
@parevenue reminds taxpayers that it has a Fraud Detection and Analysis Unit dedicated to assisting victims of identity theft and combating tax refund fraud.

If you are a victim of identity theft or discover a fraudulent Pennsylvania personal income tax return was filed using your identity, please contact the Fraud Detection and Analysis Unit by emailing [email protected]. @parevenue

For more info on how to protect yourself, visit @parevenue's Identity Theft Victim Assistance webpage. You can also find further info about protecting yourself online at http://PA.gov/Cybersecurity .

Find more info on COVID-19-related financial scams. Anyone can contact @PABankingDept at 1-800-PA-BANKS or 1-800-600-0007 to ask questions or file complaints about financial transactions, companies, or products.

If you believe you've fallen victim to a scam, contact local law enforcement through a non-emergency number.
Visit the commonwealth's Responding to COVID-19 guide for the latest guidance and resources for Pennsylvanians or @PAHealthDept’s dedicated coronavirus webpage.