The pandemic is still taking a toll on your customers, employees, and your business. The new American Rescue Plan, just signed into law, will begin to help improve the financial situation of many people. Payments will be made soon by direct deposit, check or debit card to those who qualify. You can visit IRS.gov/coronavirus to learn more about who is eligible and when. Share this link with your employees to help them stay informed. But let me tell you what’s not going to happen so you can spot and avoid the scammers who are crawling out from under the rock.
- The government will never ask you to pay anything upfront to get this money. That’s a scam. every time.
- The government will not call/text/email/privately message you asking for your Social Security, bank account or credit card number. Anyone who does this is a liar.
- No one is legally telling you to pay via gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer through companies like Western Union or MoneyGram. You know who would tell you to pay like this? A liar.
Also, let your HR staff know that the new law also has some language regarding health insurance, temporarily increases subsidies for newly laid-off workers, and the option for many people to purchase their own health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). subsidy. Please re-read #1-3 above as they apply here as well. Legitimate people will not call, text, email, or send you messages out of the blue asking you to get or keep health insurance, or demanding payment or your account number. That’s always a scam.
If you become aware of one of these scams, please notify the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. We are doing our best to stop these scammers and your report will help.
In the meantime, watch this video from Acting Chairman Slaughter for tips on avoiding Economic Impact Payment scams.
