Scammers may ask you to deposit a check made out to someone you don’t know.
Foto: Sora Shimazaki / Pexels
Cybercrime experts are warning that scams could increase with the arrival of the third stimulus check, which is why they have recommended to the government adopt stricter anti-fraud measures to verify the identity, employment history and location of applicants, otherwise there could come a time when new fraudsters could emerge.
One estimate is that at least 10% of the $ 450 billion allocated last year to expanding unemployment benefits was stolen by criminals.
How do scammers take advantage?
Crime networks have discovered how they can file fraudulent claims across the country just by using your name, date of birth, address, social security number, and your bank account.
Sometimes hackers pose as public officials to present erroneous information and trick you into downloading malicious elements on your cell phone or computer that endanger your personal data.
Unfortunately fake stimulus checks can also come and surprise you. Scammers may ask you to deposit a check for several thousand dollars, generally higher than the amount the government could provide as part of the stimulus check that you and your family members are entitled to.
Criminals will ask you to send some of that money to someone else and on some occasions they will explain to you what is because the deposit will help you to cash your check in cash.
Scammers always have a good story to explain why you can’t keep all the money from a supposed stimulus check you received.. They may tell you they need it to cover taxes, buy supplies, or whatever else you need to watch out for.
Related: Alert: 8 Scams Designed to Steal Your Stimulus Check Money
Fake checks come in many forms. May look like business or personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, or electronically sent checks. If you think you have been the subject of a fake check scam, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission, the United States Postal Inspection Service, or your state Attorney General.
Stay safe online: Scammers contact you pretending to be someone you can trust such as a government official, a family member, a charity, or a company you may know. Always validate before responding. More: https://t.co/3stMQy6br1 pic.twitter.com/hQarxi2FLJ
– Citibank (@Citibank) March 16, 2021
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Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.