Community Legal Education Program • Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis • 2324 University Avenue W • Suite 101B
St. Paul, MN • 55114 • (651) 228-9105 ×115
BEWARE!!
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN A REBATE CHECK SCAM!
The government started sending out the economic stimulus payments (rebate
checks). There are already people out there trying to steal your money!!
THE PHONE SCAM: You might get a phone call from someone
who says they are an employee of the IRS. They ask you for your
social security number and bank account numbers. They say the
IRS needs the information to process the rebate money into your
account.
THE TRUTH: The IRS uses your information from your tax return,
they do not call or e-mail anyone.
If someone calls and says they work for the IRS, hang up the phone.
THE E-MAIL SCAM: You might get an e-mail that looks like it
is from the IRS about the “2008 Economic Stimulus Refund.”
The e-mail tells you to click on a link and fill out a form to have
your money put directly into your bank account. Do not click
on anything! The scammers are just trying to get your
personal information!!
THE TRUTH: You do not have to fill out a form to get a
rebate check or have it deposited directly into your account. If you asked for direct
deposit on your tax return then your rebate check will automatically go into your
account. If you did not list your account information on your tax return, you will get a
check in the mail.
If you get an e-mail that says it is from the IRS, delete it.
Be Careful!!! Keep Your Money for Yourself!!
REMEMBER:
The IRS will never contact you by phone or e-mail to
get information for your refund or rebate check.