IRS Scam: Protect Yourself from Fraudsters

As Ohioans navigate economic challenges, scammers exploit hopes for financial relief through fake IRS stimulus check schemes. These scams, designed to steal personal information or money, are targeting residents across the state with alarming frequency. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.

How the Scam Works

Scammers pose as IRS officials or government representatives, contacting victims via phone calls, emails, text messages, or even social media. They claim you’re eligible for a new stimulus check or that there’s an issue with a previous payment. To “secure” or “process” the funds, they request sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or even upfront payments for supposed processing fees.

In some cases, scammers send fake checks, instructing recipients to deposit them and send back a portion of the funds to cover “taxes” or “fees.” Once the check bounces, victims lose the money they sent and may face bank fees. Others receive links to fraudulent websites that mimic official IRS portals, designed to harvest personal data or install malware.

Red Flags to Watch For

Ohio residents should stay vigilant for these warning signs:

• Unsolicited Contact: The IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media to discuss stimulus payments. Legitimate communication typically comes through official mail.
• Requests for Payment: The IRS will not ask for upfront fees or payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to process stimulus checks.
• Urgent Demands: Scammers often pressure victims to act immediately, claiming you’ll lose your payment otherwise. The IRS doesn’t use high-pressure tactics.
• Suspicious Links or Attachments: Emails or texts with links to “claim your stimulus” or attachments to “verify eligibility” are almost always scams.
• Fake Checks: Be wary of unexpected checks, especially if you’re asked to send money back after depositing them.

Real-Life Impact in Ohio

In 2024, Ohio’s Department of Taxation reported a surge in scam complaints, with thousands of residents targeted by stimulus-related fraud. For example, a Cleveland retiree lost $2,000 after wiring money to a scammer posing as an IRS agent. In Columbus, a family’s bank account was compromised after they clicked a fraudulent link promising a “fourth stimulus check.” These cases highlight the devastating financial and emotional toll of these scams.

How to Protect Yourself

To stay safe, follow these steps:

1. Verify Directly with the IRS: If you’re unsure about a stimulus payment, visit www.irs.gov or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Never use contact details provided by unsolicited messages.
2. Guard Personal Information: Never share your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords with unverified sources.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a scam call, email, or text, report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
4. Use Secure Channels: Check stimulus eligibility or payment status only through official IRS websites, not through links in emails or texts.
5. Educate Others: Share this information with friends and family, especially seniors who may be more vulnerable to these scams.

What Ohio Is Doing

Ohio authorities are cracking down on fraudsters. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has issued consumer alerts and partnered with local law enforcement to investigate scam networks. The state’s Department of Taxation also offers resources at tax.ohio.gov to help residents identify legitimate communications. However, prevention starts with public awareness—scammers rely on catching people off guard.

The Bottom Line

No new federal stimulus checks have been announced for 2025, and the IRS doesn’t require payments or personal details to process legitimate funds. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ohioans should stay skeptical, verify claims independently, and report suspicious activity promptly.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect your finances and help stop scammers in their tracks. Share this warning with your community to keep Ohio safe from IRS stimulus check scams.