Story Created:
Feb 14, 2008 at 4:20 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 8, 2008 at 5:56 PM CDT
The economic stimulus package was only signed into law yesterday and already there's a warning of a scam. Texas officials say criminals are using the expected rebate checks to gain your bank information.
The economic stimulus package was only signed into law yesterday and already there's a warning of a scam.
If you expect a check from uncle sam under the economic stimulus package, you are the potential target of scam artists. It seems consumers never learn and the scammers never let up.
This time around, e-mails are being sent and calls are being made. It is all in an effort to get bank account information from unsuspecting citizens.
And it is happening right here in Wichita Falls.
Monica Horton is President of the Better Business Bureau. She says, " We did hear from a consumer yesterday who received a phone call. It was a little bit vague, they weren't real sure what the call was, but they ended up giving out their account information."
That prompted a message to be issued by the Texas Attorney General, once again warning Texans.
The scammers use the excuse of wanting to know where to "direct deposit" a rebate check from the government. Horton says, "Bottom line, the IRS is not going to e-mail you. The IRS is not going call you. These are scammers attempting to get your financial information."
What's worse, many of the crooks are saying they're with the I.R.S. Horton has words of warning for anyone who gets a call or email. "Treat the calls just like you would the email, Delete it or hang up. Do not respond to it, do not give our your bank info," said Horton.
Just remember the rebate checks will likely not be mailed out until summer, so don't get in a hurry and again, do not give out any bank account information to anyone you don't know. If you've got a question, give us a call here at "you ask, we investigate."
That phone number is 687-U-ASK that number again, 687-8275.
Just remember the rebate checks will likely not be mailed out until summer, so don't get in a hurry and again, do not give out any bank account information to anyone you don't know. If you've got a question, give us a call here at "you ask, we investigate."
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