Scammers Target Stimulus Payments
The United States Secret Service, Las Cruces Police Department and law enforcement agencies throughout the country are warning residents to be aware of scammers who may be trying to obtain access to COVID-19 stimulus payments.
In March, President Donald Trump signed the $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package that includes economic relief payments for many Americans. Law enforcement agencies have learned that potential scammers may try contacting residents, asking for personal or financial information, in an attempt at illegally gaining access to their economic relief payments.
Scammers may use various methods to obtain personal or financial information. Phishing attempts might be received via mail, email, phone calls, text-messaging, social media or in person. Scammers may also attempt to provide quicker access to stimulus funds for a small fee. That, too, is a phishing attempt and should be considered a scam.
Police encourage residents to refrain from providing personal or financial information to anyone they do not know. Anyone who receives such a scam or phishing attempt should simply ignore it and refrain from responding.
Consumers do not need to sign up or register to receive their share of the stimulus package, and no government entity will actively seek private or financial information from residents. The stimulus payments will be based on previously-filed tax returns so residents need to take no action in order to receive their funds.
