March 25, 2020
Carson City, NV – Today, Nevada Attorney
General Aaron D. Ford warns Nevadans to be alert of scams related to the
pending federal stimulus package. While a deal has been negotiated and the bill
awaits final votes and the president’s signature, Congress’ economic relief
package, in part, proposes to send money directly to individual Americans in
response to the financial distress caused by COVID-19. These one-time payments
could range from $1,200 per individual and up to $2,400 for joint taxpayers,
depending on income.
At this time, there are still questions about how funding will be
dispersed. Some Americans may receive physical checks in the mailbox rather
than by direct deposit. However, scammers are already using the proposed
federal stimulus package as an opportunity to prey on Nevadans. Fraudsters may
leave messages by telephone or social media requesting personal or financial
information in exchange for so-called immediate stimulus money through a “grant.”
Scammers may ask for other information, including Social Security numbers and
confirming of identity to receive their funding. In different variations,
scammers promise additional financing beyond the designated stimulus amount in
exchange for a small payment or personal information.
“Every day, scammers are finding new ways to impersonate real
businesses and agencies and to trick Nevadans,” said AG Ford. “Using education and
awareness as tools to help spot suspicious activity, we can beat scammers."
The Nevada Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has
the following tips and suggestions about government scams:
- Avoid
giving access to your bank account other than those whom you have
authorized. Only scammers will demand that you provide them with your
personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account
numbers, debit and credit cards, or PINs in order to receive stimulus
funding;
- Avoid
suggestions of paying any amount of money to receive stimulus. There is no
"grant" money. You will not be asked to pay any money, including
a "processing fee," to receive a stimulus check;
- Check
your mailbox frequently to ward off theft. If your mailbox has a lock,
make it accessible to you in the event you receive stimulus funding by a
physical check in your mailbox;
- Beware
of entering your personal or financial information into phishing websites
that appear to look like legitimate government websites; and
- Do
not share personal information with any person or website that asks for it
related to the federal stimulus package.
If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, you may file a
complaint with the Office of the Nevada Attorney General here or with the Federal Trade Commission here. You may also call our
hotline toll free at (888) 434-9989.
The Office of the Attorney General encourages Nevadans to protect
their health and personal and financial information. For additional helpful
information regarding the status of COVID-19 in Nevada, visit the Nevada
Department of Health and Human Services website here.
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