WISCONSIN -- The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning people of a new scam involving fake government relief checks amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The proposed federal stimulus package announced this week includes sending every American a check to offset lost income from the coronavirus crisis. Scammers wasted no time in taking advantage of this news.
BBB says they are already getting reports of government imposters contacting you about relief checks. These scams are to get your personal information.
According to the BBB, the scam works by sending you a message or by you seeing on a social media post that you qualify for a special COVID-19 (coronavirus) government grant. With the news stories about the proposed stimulus plan, this information can seem somewhat true. By clicking the link you are taken to what seems to be an official website asking for personal information, such as Social Security number and banking details.
As always, there are several variations of this scam the BBB notes. These can include text messages, social media posts or messages, and phone calls. In some versions, the scammers claim you can get additional money or even receive your funds immediately if you give personal information and pay a small 'processing fee'.
The BBB says that no matter what the message, don't click the link. They say the site could download malware to your device and use your information for identity theft.
Here are four tips from the BBB to spot coronavirus grant scams:
- Government agencies do not communicate through social media like Facebook.
- A real government agency will not ask you to pay an advanced processing free. You can find the official list of all U.S. federal grant-making agencies through their website Grants.gov.
- Check for look-alikes. Be sure to do your research and see if a government agency or organization actually exists. Find contact info on your own and call them to be sure the person you’ve heard from is legitimate.
- Don’t assume an offer in a social media message is from a real friend. It’s easier for scammers to impersonate real people on social media. Call your friend to verify it was they contacted you (and share this Scam Alert with them if they are spreading false information).
Vsit their website BBB.org./Coronavirus for updated information on coronavirus related scams.
