AG warns of scams related to stimulus checks  

Attorney General Kathy Jennings warns Delawareans to be wary of scams related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security (CARES) Act. The economic relief package includes direct payments to most Americans, totaling as much as $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for joint filers, depending on income.

“During this time of uncertainty - with unemployment surging and a growing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases - Americans have enough to worry about without fear of predatory scammers,” said Jennings. “Scammers will use various tactics to deceive and intimidate Americans. We will not tolerate preying on people’s fear and uncertainty, and I urge Delawareans to report any suspicious scams or phishing attempts to the Consumer Protection Unit.”

While some Americans may receive physical checks in the mailbox rather than direct deposit, scammers across the country are already using the proposed federal stimulus package as an opportunity to prey on consumers. Fraudsters may leave messages by telephone or social media requesting personal or financial information in exchange for so-called immediate stimulus money through a “grant.”

Scammers may ask for other information, including Social Security numbers and confirming of identity to receive their funding. Scammers may also promise additional financing beyond the designated stimulus amount in exchange for a small payment or personal information. 

The Delaware Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit offers the following tips and suggestions about government scams: 

• Avoid giving anyone access to a bank account. Only scammers will demand providing them with personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, debit and credit cards, or PINs in order to receive stimulus funding

• Avoid suggestions of paying any amount of money to receive stimulus. There is no “grant” money. People will not be asked to pay any money, including a “processing fee,” to receive a stimulus check

• Check the mailbox frequently to ward off theft. If the mailbox has a lock, use it in case stimulus funding comes by a physical check in the mailbox

• Beware of entering personal or financial information into phishing websites that appear to be legitimate government websites

• Do not share personal information with any person or website that asks for it in relation to the federal stimulus package

If someone believes thy have been a victim of scam, file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Unit through a formal complaint or with the Federal Trade Commission here. Consumer complaint forms can be found here and should be submitted along with any supporting documentation to consumer.protection@delaware.gov. People may also call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 888-434-9989.