Consider these 7 tips to avoid being the subject of fraudulent activity related to the Child Tax Credit.
As monthly child tax credit payments have begun, so have scammers’ attempts to use the payments as a way to fraudulently steal money or personal information from families.
BE WARY OF CONTACTS
Be wary of any unsolicited calls, e-mails, and text messages. The IRS generally communicates by mail.
NEVER PROVIDE PERSONAL INFORMATION
Many fraudsters will offer assistance to “sign up” for the child tax credit. Signing up is not necessary, and payments are based on filed tax returns.
CHECK THE LINKS
As with all email, be leery of links or attachments. Clicking on links or opening may lead to money loss, tax-related fraud and identity theft. In addition, any website other than IRS.gov is not an official government website.
KNOW YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Only certain individuals are eligible for the child tax credit. Know the eligibility requirements to determine if you should be eligible to avoid unnecessary risk. Eligibility requirements are monitored by the IRS only.
DO NOT LISTEN TO THREATS
The IRS will not leave a pre-recorded, threatening voicemail regarding lawsuits or arrests, nor will it call for taxpayers to verify their personal information in order to receive the credit.
CHECK THE FORM OF PAYMENT
Customers will never be asked to send the IRS money via wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency. In fact, there should never be any payments associated with receiving the child tax credit.
IF IT SOUNDS SUSPICIOUS, BE SUSPICIOUS
If an inquiry seems suspicious, it probably is.
