The IRS recently put out a statement warning taxpayers of fraud during the COVID-19 crisis. Be on the lookout for IRS impersonation calls, texts or emails which can lead to tax-related fraud or identity theft.

It’s important to note that the IRS will never call, text or email you to verify or request any financial or personal information. Be careful! Do not provide any information or engage with these potential scammers.

Do not open any surprise emails that look like they’re coming from the IRS or click on attachments or links. Forward them to phishing@irs.gov and then delete.

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Here’s what you should know about the Economic Impact Payments:

• Your Economic Impact Payments will be automatically deposited into your bank account if you provided your 2019 or 2018 tax return for a direct deposit of your tax refund.
• If you did not provide your direct deposit information, you may be able to do so on the Get My Payment tool on the IRS website.
• If you don’t provide direct deposit information and are eligible for an Economic Impact Payment, you will receive a payment in the mail.
• The IRS does not charge a fee to issue the payment.
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Beware of scammers who may do the following:

• Ask you to sign over your Economic Impact Payment to them.
• Ask for verification of personal or banking information.
• Tell you that they can get you your payment faster.
• Issue a fake check and tell you to call a number to verify information in order to cash it. These checks are often in an odd amount.

Issue a fake check and tell you to call a number to verify information in order to cash it. These checks are often in an odd amount.

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