Southern Tier Residents Report Scammers Using Stimulus Act Before It’s Even Passed

Congress still hasn't agreed to the latest COVID financial assistance plan but scammers are already trying to use the promise of stimulus checks to phish for personal information.

Again, a new stimulus package has not even been passed.  Still, emails are being sent out that tells the recipient, by name, “Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the Coronavirus Stimulus Check. Please click on the link below to fill out the Coronavirus Stimulus request form. In order to be considered for approval, your form must be submitted by August 12, 2020.”

Law enforcement officials remind people never to click on links in unsolicited emails from people or agencies with which they are not familiar.  Often, scammers are phishing for personal information that can lead to the draining of bank accounts or damage to computer systems and files.