Scammers Trying To Swindle MD Stimulus Checks: Coronavirus
This article originally appeared on the Annapolis Patch
MARYLAND — Tax preparers and residents of Maryland are being targeted in a scam designed to swindle them out of their stimulus check. State Comptroller Peter Franchot on Monday warned Marylanders not to fall victim to these scammers who are making phone calls, sending text messages and phishing emails to obtain personal information in order to take money out of people's accounts.
According to Franchot, the scammers are using language such as “in order to receive your/your client's stimulus payment via direct deposit, we need you to confirm the banking information” and they are telling people via phone or directing victims through email to click on a link that takes them to a website to enter personal banking information.
"Do not fall prey to such scams," Franchot said.
In recent days, there has been an uptick in both individuals and tax preparers being targeted, he noted in a news release.
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“Do not share any personal information over the phone, via text message or email,” said Franchot. “My agency is committed to protecting Maryland taxpayers and remains vigilant for phone, texting and email phishing scams that seek to steal people’s private financial information. These types of crimes can lead to fraudulent tax returns, identity theft and can devastate the victims’ financial well-being, especially during this time when people are counting on those checks to survive.”
The agency is working with the Internal Revenue Service to identify the scams and will alert citizens as they occur.
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