Abingdon
Police Department
Contact: Tenille Montgomery, Community Relations
Coordinator
Phone:
276-492-1557
For Immediate
Release
P-u-r-r-fectly
Sensible Stimulus Information
Hey, all you cool cats and kittens. In a few weeks, COVID-19 economic impact
payments will be on their way. Before
you make plans to buy a tiger and open an exotic zoo with your stimulus money,
there are a few things that you need to remember.
Most Americans will receive their stimulus payment by
direct deposit. Those without bank accounts, who qualify, will receive a paper
check through the mail.
Before you agree to purchase that new tiger, remember
that there are low-life hyenas who will try to get you to sign over your check
to them or get you to “verify” your filing information to steal your money. The
scavengers of the human world can use your personal information to file false
tax returns, open credit accounts in your name, and make your life a jungle of
confusion. Because of these buzzards, everyone receiving a COVID-19 economic
impact payment is at risk.
As the COVID-19 related economic impact payments are
issued, please remember:
- The
IRS will deposit your payment into the direct deposit account you
previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a
paper check).
- The IRS will NOT call and ask you to verify your payment details.
- Do
NOT give your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information
to anyone - even if someone claims it’s necessary to get your check.
It’s a scam.
- If
you receive a call, do NOT engage these coyotes, even if you want to tell
them that you know it’s a scam. Just hang up.
- If
you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by
sending personal identifying information or clicking on links, delete
these texts and emails. Do NOT click on any links in those texts or
emails.
- If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s a scam. It will take the Treasury a few more weeks to mail out the COVID-19 economic impact payments.
- If
you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a
check that requires you to verify the check online or by calling a number,
it’s a scam.
- Remember, the federal government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get a legitimate benefit. No fees. No charges. Anyone who asks for an up-front payment for a promised benefit is a scammer and a worthless ball of slime.
- Finally, you can’t buy a tiger, lion, or any other exotic animal with your stimulus check. They are illegal to possess in Virginia.
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