SHARE THIS WARNING! Fake Coronavirus Stimulus Check Scam!
Beware! There is a scam right now with a real looking COVID-19 Stimulus Check. However, it is not a real check. And, it’s not a Coronavirus Stimulus Check from the IRS.
What is the Coronavirus Stimulus Package?
Last week, President Trump signed into law a $2 trillion stimulus package for Americans who meet certain criteria. If you’re not sure if you qualify, you can use this handy Coronavirus Stimulus Check Calculator and Find Out How Much Your Coronavirus Stimulus Check Will Be.
The Stimulus money sent via direct deposit will happen first. However, it will be a few weeks – some estimates say it could take until September – before people start receiving actual paper checks in the mail.
How to Identify the Coronavirus Check Scam
This check came in the mail with no return address and has a “presort marketing” permit #11 in lieu of a postage stamp. The words “Time-Sensitive Fast-Tracked Open Immediately” on the front of the envelope.
The check itself will say ‘COVID-19 Auto Stimulus’ at the bottom of the check and ‘Stimulus Relief Program’ printed in the top left corner and is made out for more than $3,000.
The tip off was the Auto part of Auto Stimulus in the check’s Memo section. As it turns out, it appears to be an advertisement from a car dealership to lure people in.
“Just the address that says they will only be there temporarily with a tent until April 5. But if you really read it you’ll see it’s talking about selling cars and such. But they even call their tent a ‘relief headquarters.'” – Fox35 Orlando
What to do if you receive a fake Coronavirus check
If you receive one of these checks, then do not attempt to cash it. Your bank should catch it because it’s not a real check. However, it’s good to be vigilant since this is probably one of many scams coming our way.
In this case, remember the saying “If its too good to be true, then it probably isn’t true.” Be safe, and be wise, folks.
Of course, that doesn’t apply to the old INCORRECT saying, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”. Because, of course we know there most certainly IS such a thing. 😉
Source: Fox32 Chicago