IRS warns of scammers looking to steal coronavirus relief checks

Many people are experiencing financial hardship after losing their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.

News 12 Staff

Apr 3, 2020, 3:23 PM

Updated 1,507 days ago

Share:

Many people are experiencing financial hardship after losing their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.
As the financial hardships continue, officials are warning the public of scammers trying to to advantage of this difficult time.
Officials say scammers may try to get personal information several different ways, so they can then claim the $1,200 relief check.
The IRS says it will not call to ask the public to verify your payment details. The IRS says to not give any bank account, debit card or PayPal information over the phone.
It also says they will not contact you through texts, email or social media.
Also, the IRS will not send you a check that requires you to verify it online or by calling a number.
“These payments will be sent to you automatically to many individuals. Whether you have your direct deposit information that’s already on file with the IRS and if not, taxpayers will receive a paper check,” says Jonathan Larsen, special agent, IRS Criminal Investigation.
The checks many are waiting for will take anywhere from two to three weeks to distribute. Anyone who has gotten checks from the IRS recently are phony, according to investigators.


More from News 12
0:50
Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach raises money to support women and children

Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach raises money to support women and children

1:56
Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

0:15
Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Guide: School Vote 2024 budgets and tax informaton

Guide: School Vote 2024 budgets and tax informaton

0:39
Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

1:59
Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

0:51
Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

0:17
Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

0:32
Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

2:28
How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

1:43
CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

1:46
Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

0:26
Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

1:39
Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

2:06
Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

0:24
Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

0:51
Plainview-Old Bethpage hosts basketball team from Israel impacted by Oct. 7 attacks

Plainview-Old Bethpage hosts basketball team from Israel impacted by Oct. 7 attacks

1:24
Nassau County high school seniors take part in aerial simulation exercise

Nassau County high school seniors take part in aerial simulation exercise

1:53
Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

2:29
Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend

Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend