The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning Americans about stimulus check scams after receiving a record number of reports this summer.
The agency announced in a news release Monday that phishing reports about the checks, also known as Economic Impact Payments, skyrocketed in June and July.
Scammers try to mirror legitimate IRS communications in order to convince taxpayers to enter personal information or even submit a payment, according to the agency.
“Even though taxpayers have received multiple rounds of Economic Impact Payments, we saw phishing scams surge this summer,” Jim Lee, the chief of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, said in a statement.
Lee added, “The number of reported scam attempts reached levels we haven’t seen in more than a decade. More than ever, it is important for taxpayers to continue to protect their personal information and not fall victim to these scams.”
Victims have been sent text messages telling them they’re eligible for a “stimulus payment” and asking them to complete an online form with the necessary information to claim it. Scammers have also reportedly sent out emails claiming the IRS has deemed them eligible for a direct payment.
Jeff Fusco/Getty Images
The…
