Connecticut Better Business Bureau Warns About Scams Involving Economic Stimulus Checks

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Release Date: May 21, 2008

Connecticut Better Business Bureau Warns About Scams Involving Economic Stimulus Checks

By Better Business Bureau Connecticut
May 21, 2008

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Thousands of complaints filed with Internal Revenue Service.

PR9.NET May 21, 2008 - Wallingford, CT – Better Business Bureau of Connecticut is warning taxpayers to be wary of unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails referring to their economic stimulus checks.

The Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) says thousands of people have complained about scammers impersonating Internal Revenue Service employees in an effort to obtain personal information.

"This is another example of why consumers must constantly be on guard about giving out personal information, and to whom they give it," says Connecticut BBB President Paulette Hotton.

In one of the scams, would-be I.R.S. workers claim to need an individual's social security number and bank account number to "process the direct deposit" of the economic stimulus check. In a similar scheme, you may receive an e-mail in which you are encouraged to fill out an electronic form asking for personal information, leaving yourself vulnerable to identity theft.

"No legitimate company," adds Hotton, "will ask you to supply personal information by e-mail." Hotton recommends against not giving out personal information at all when a call or e-mail is unsolicited.

I.R.S. Special Agent Philip Okonek says "The I.R.S. does not communicate with e-mail or call taxpayers." BBB and the I.R.S. urge you to consider whom you are speaking with and what information they seek. Okonek says the I.R.S. doesn't need to ask taxpayers for personal information, because it is already on file in tax returns.

The I.R.S. agent adds that the Service already has all of the information it needs to direct-deposit a government refund check.

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Connecticut Better Business Bureau Warns About Scams Involving Economic Stimulus Checks

Contact Information of Better Business Bureau Connecticut

Phone	203-269-2700 x 103
FAX	203-294-6882
Website	http://www.bbb.org
E-Mail	E-mail Address Protected
Address	Better Business Bureau Connecticut 94 South Turnpike Rd Wallingford, CT 06492

About Better Business Bureau Connecticut

Founded in 1912, BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.