SCAMMERS ARE SENDING TEXTS ABOUT A $1,400 STIMULUS CHECK.
Officials warn of a recent text message scam that baits people into clicking on a dangerous link and providing personal information to receive a $1,400 stimulus check.
Scam Alert In Highlands County
The text appears as though it is a legitimate message from the IRS informing you that you are eligible for an Economic Impact Payment and can receive it within one to two business days if you input personal information via a link that mimics an IRS website.
REMEMBER: The IRS does not contact taxpayers via text, email, or social media. Clicking on the link may lead to “malware” or “a fraudulent form asking for personal or financial information.
Like many scams, a thread of truth makes this tempting. The IRS announced in December that it would distribute automatic payments to taxpayers who did not claim Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. However, those payments only apply to taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the credit to which they were entitled. The IRS notified Eligible individuals via mail of this; those payments do not require taxpayer action.
If you received this scam message, you can report it to the IRS at:
