Unfortunately, fraud ramps up in times of crisis. COVID-19 has seen many new online scams trying to capture stimulus payments and personal information.
 
Protect your information and be wary of these scams:
 

• Do not accept or verify stimulus payment. The IRS will never call, text, or contact you on social media, nor ask you to accept or verify the payment. You will automatically receive your payment or can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit as part of filing your tax return.
• Do not respond to, or open hyperlinks in, text messages about COVID-19 from unknown individuals.
• Ignore offers on social media for COVID-19 testing, treatments or vaccines. Use only official websites when making appointments.
• Beware of scammers pretending to be COVID-19 contact tracers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for Medicare or financial information or set up or collect payment information for a COVID-19 test.

Take precautions online and keep your information private. If you suspect COVID-19 fraud, report it immediately at reportfraud.ftc.gov, or call 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).