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Scammers using stimulus checks to target victims

The IRS said it received a record number of complaints in June and July related to the stimulus payments.

INDIANAPOLIS — Instead of sticking to old schemes, scammers come up with new ones to reflect current events. That's why the Internal Revenue Service is issuing a warning about a scam involving stimulus payments.

The IRS said it received a record number of complaints in June and July related to the stimulus payments. There are threatening phones calls, texts and emails, pretending to be from the IRS.

A website claiming to be the IRS looks legit, down to the logo and font, but it's not them. The scammers are trying to trick consumers into entering personal information, saying your payment eligibility is on the line.

"There's always a carrot that the scammer is going to offer your viewers saying, 'Hey, I need you to verify something and we want to send you your payment,'" said Special Agent Justin Campbell. "Just don't respond to those unsolicited attempts."

Campbell also said if the IRS wants to chat with you, they'll send you a letter first. Scammers, on the other hand, want your money quickly, which is why they go the electronic route.

    

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