New Yorkers warned about scams tied to federal economic relief payments

NEWYORK » The New York State Division of Consumer Protection ( DCP) is alerting consumers about scammers taking advantage of COVID- 19 economic stimulus payments. With another round of economic stimulus payments approved by Congress, scammerswill be sending phishing emails, texts and phone calls and using social media to try to steal economic impact payments and your personal information. Consumers are reminded that it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of unsolicited communications asking for your personal or private information.

“Throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic, scammers have been hard atwork trying to stealmoney from unsuspecting New Yorkers,” Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said.

“With this latest round of stimulus funding on itsway, I urge all New Yorkers to be extra diligent and follow simple steps to keep your money and personal identity safe,” Rosado noted.

“We all must remain especially vigilant against scam artists trying to steal this latest round of stimulus funding fromnew Yorkers. We’re sharing valuable information so you can learn how to spot red flags and where to find reliable information so you won’t be caught off guard by con artists,” New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt stated.

“New Yorkers are being challenged like never before by a global pandemic, and to make matters worse, we’ve seen unscrupulous individuals use technology in a desperate and dishonest attempt to scam them out of their own money. Fortunately, New Yorkers can protect themselves against these COVID- related scams if they are armed with the right information. Always bewary of unsolicited phone calls, texts, emails, links or attachments, even if the sender appears to be known. And, never send your personal information via email or text,” New York State Office of Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer Angelo “Tony” Riddick added.

On Dec. 27, 2020, the federal government passed a pandemic relief package. An important component of individual relief, Economic Impact Payments, will be issued to New Yorkers from the IRS.

You don’t need to take any action to automatically receive your stimulus payment if you:

• filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and are eligible; or

• received one of these benefits ( unless claiming a qualifying child under age 17):

• Social Security retirement benefits and survivor benefits

• Social Security Disability Insurance ( SSDI) benefits and survivor benefits

• Supplemental Security Income ( SSI) benefits

• Railroad Retirement and survivor benefits

• Veterans Administration compensation ( disability, death benefits etc.) or retirement benefits

While most people will receive their payment automatically, if you otherwise have not filed taxes recently, youmay need to submit a simple Federal tax return to get your check. For more information on the Economic Impact Payments, New Yorkers should visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at Economic Impact Payment information: what you need to know or the IRS at Economic Impact Payments.

Below are tips to help keep your economic impact payment and personal information safe from scammers:

• Rely on trusted sites for information. Visit legitimate, government websites— for up- to- date, fact- based information about COVID- 19. Visit the IRS website directly for the latest information on the economic impact pay