Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

Scammers are already hard at work trying to separate you from your money during these difficult times. In addition to stimulus fraud, scammers are touting treatments, vaccines, and in-home tests for the novel coronavirus. None of these offers are currently proven, approved, or valid.

Keep these tips in mind when navigating information about the COVID-19 pandemic:

• According to the IRS, federal stimulus checks will be distributed automatically by direct deposit or by paper check, depending on what information you gave the IRS when filing your taxes. Stimulus funds are expected to be distributed in mid-April. If you receive a check now or receive a check at any time with an odd amount (especially ending in cents), it’s a scam.

• The government will not contact you by phone, text, or email to ask for personal information, demand that you verify information, or require you to pay a processing fee.

• Anything offered as a cure, vaccine, or test for COVID-19 will at best only cost you money. At worst, it could harm you or your loved ones.

• Scammers use sophisticated tools to trick you, such as spoofing caller-IDs. Don’t assume that a call is coming from the number or agency listed on the caller-ID. Hang up on scammers, or better yet, don’t answer their calls.

• Don’t click on ads or links in emails. If you hear from a familiar company or government agency and want to respond, use contact information that you already have, not information provided in the email or phone message.

• Beware of offers to sell face masks, gloves, cleaning products, or other emergency supplies that are in short supply. Search for reviews of websites or companies making these offers.

• If you’re seeking relief from mortgage payments, utility bills, or credit card payments, contact the bank or utility using the information provided on your bill.

The IRS will post information about stimulus payments here as it becomes available: www.irs.gov/coronavirus.

If you encounter a fraud or scam, report it! Contact the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Visit the Federal Trade Commission for updates on coronavirus scams at FTC.gov.

Stay Home. Stay Safe.

(Download)

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

We are most thankful we don't happen to need ours
Donating it to charity -- Just haven't figured just whom yet
Stay well

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

That's nice of you. Beware, scammers are all over including "charitable organizations or agencies."

Request for their financial statement. Know how much goes to charity itself and how much administrative and "other" expenses.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I agree. I always feel safe with United Way - their administrative costs are never more than 5%, while some “charities” use over 90% of your donation as “administrative and fund raising costs”.

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

Yep! United Way is great with 5% administrative cost.

I say 5% - 10% is still OK. Anything above is very suspicious.

Definitely, must stay away from agencies with 20% and over administrative expenses.

Also, check salary of CEO and other executives. With few exceptions, agencies with administrative expenses of above 10% - 20% pay themselves exorbitant salaries and perks. It makes you feel Aargh!