SPOKANE, Wash. — With a good portion of the population expecting a stimulus check from the federal government, everybody needs to be on high alert for scammers.
A scam involving people pretending to be the federal government to get information or money is starting nationwide. Scammers are using the stimulus package as a way to trick victims.
Even though this particular scam is new, the trend is not.
"What happens is those scammers like to be able to ride the trends, and of course the biggest trend is of course those government stimulus checks," Tyler Russell, Marketplace Manager for Better Business Bureau Northwest and Pacific, said.
The stimulus checks will be based on an individuals 2018 or 2019 tax returns, so everyone needs to be wary of any contact made about the money.
"They could take your money, they could take your personal information. They could also install malware on your computer, which they can actually use for ransomware or they could take your personal information that way," Russell said.
Which is why its so important to be aware of these scams. They can come through text, phone call, E-mail, Social Media and more.
Here's a few tips on how to spot a scam:
- Avoid contact from social media. The government will not reach out via any social media platforms.
- Look out for look-alikes. Pay attention to where graphics are placed or if there are any spelling errors.
- Don't pay fees for anything that is supposed to be free.
- Be wary of random messages from friends, as their accounts may have been hacked.
- Don't click any unprompted or unknown links.